JaDee Feist’s journey into the world of art began in childhood, sparked by her father’s passion for drawing. Inheriting this creative inclination, Feist honed her skills from simple cartoon-like sketches in grade school to incredibly realistic drawings that now blur the lines between graphite art and black and white photography. Her dedication to practice and formal art classes demonstrably accelerated her artistic growth.
Today, drawing is more than just a pastime for Feist; it’s a dedicated pursuit in her free time. Exclusively using graphite, she primarily focuses on animals, occasionally venturing into dynamic motocross scenes. A key element in her realistic style is her mastery of shading, which adds remarkable depth and texture to her subjects, making them leap off the page. “Now that I’ve taken an advanced art class,” Feist noted, “I like realistic drawings way better,” highlighting her evolving artistic preferences and commitment to realism.
Her artistic exploration expanded in 2016 when she received a Canon T5 Rebel camera for Christmas, venturing into digital photography. Initially, her photographic subjects were her horses, but this shifted gears when her younger brother, Gage Feist, began motocross racing. This family connection ignited a new passion, leading her to capture the thrilling world of motocross through her lens. Feist herself joined the racing scene last year, riding a 2019 Yamaha YZ250F with the race number 211, further immersing herself in the motocross culture she artistically portrays.
JaDee Feist's detailed graphite drawing of her brother Gage Feist on his dirt bike, showcasing her realistic style in motocross art.
Feist’s growing reputation led to professional opportunities, including being hired to photograph the 2019 North Dakota Motocross Association trophy ceremony in Mandan. During the winter months, while motocross events are less frequent, she continues to photograph her horses, maintaining her connection with animal subjects. She also captures Gage’s indoor motocross races in South Dakota, broadening her portfolio of motocross photography.
Over time, Feist has progressively enhanced her photography skills, experimenting with different lenses while staying true to her original Canon camera. She generously extends her talents to family and friends, often undertaking photo requests for them. Her photographs are not confined to digital screens; many have been transformed into canvas prints, stretched onto wooden frames, adding a tangible dimension to her work. Feist curates her personal favorites, displaying horse photographs and dedicating an entire wall to her dynamic motocross images in her room.
One of Feist’s most impressive canvas prints is a large depiction of a wild buffalo, prominently displayed in her aunt’s hallway. She has also created prints from photographs taken at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, demonstrating her diverse subject matter and artistic range beyond motocross and animals.
Action-packed motocross photography by JaDee Feist, capturing her brother Gage Feist airborne on his dirt bike.
Feist primarily shares her artwork on her Instagram page, offering a glimpse into her creative world. As she approaches graduation from Bishop Ryan Catholic School, Feist is set to attend North Dakota State University in Fargo, pursuing a career as a veterinary technician. She plans to keep photography as a cherished hobby and intends to explore drawing classes in college, with an interest in the art of tattoos, indicating her continuous artistic evolution.
“Try new things,” Feist advises, “Don’t box yourself in.” This philosophy is evident in her own artistic journey, spanning drawing and photography. Her diverse skill set provides her with a multitude of creative avenues and opportunities, allowing her to seamlessly blend her passion for art with her academic and career aspirations. Feist stands as an inspiring example of how diverse artistic skills can enrich life and open doors to unexpected paths.
