Katie Kelly:

Contact Information:

Phone:

530-527-1325

Email:

Artist's Statement:

My interest centers on engaging the viewer’s imagination and experience. I enjoy sketching and painting from the rich array of subjects in Red Bluff and the North Valley – the landscapes and wildlife, the wonderful Victorian buildings and churches, parks and charming gardens. Most of my images come from direct observation of the real world including studies of people in portraits and group activities. A favorite subject is people. Although I think accurate observation and knowledge of anatomy is helpful, it sometimes takes many sketches to catch what I see. I do not believe it is necessary to produce a “photographic” likeness of either a scene or a person to create a memorable and convincing image. I believe we see with our minds and hearts as much as we see with our eyes.

In addition to drawing and painting I like to create abstract compositions in collage and mixed media based on direct observation of real life, which attempt to capture the essence of phenomena such as “winter,” a “waterfall” or a theme from a favorite piece of music.

Education and Experience

Most of my formal art education came from classes at Pierce Junior College and UCLA Extension in Southern California. Through these institutions I obtained most of the usual courses in drawing, art anatomy, life drawing, design and painting. I also studied silkscreen printing, sculpture, portraiture and life drawing through various organizations in Southern California. Since I moved to the North Valley, I have been fortunate in taking workshops from several outstanding teachers, including Gwen Stone (design, mono printing and sumi ink drawing), Jean Gifford (watercolor) and Anne Kinkaid (paper making). In addition to the practical aspects of art, I am interested in Art History and the current art scene. This interest was enhanced when I was a professional librarian at CSUN and UCLA, specializing in art for many years.

My work has been accepted for juried shows sponsored by the Redding Museum, The Shasta County Arts Council (SCAC) and North Valley Art League (NVAL), in which I won several awards. In 2003 I was pleased to receive a prize in the SCAC National Juried Show and a special award in the NVAL National Juried Show. The SCAC 2004 National Juried Show selected one of my collages for the cover of its show brochure and the SCAC 2005 National Juried Show selected one of my mixed media works. In 2005 Redding City Hall showed my work with three others artists in a show entitled “Varieties”. The NVAL 2006 National Juried Show chose one of my compositions. I didn’t submit artwork to shows in 2007 as I directed my energy to fighting cancer, but I am eager to resume artwork in 2008.

Revised February, 2008

Portfolio Samples:

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If you are interested in seeing a complete portfolio of this artist's work, please contact her directly using the information at the top of the page.