Odessa Kelley

I have had a lifelong fascination with wildlife and art. As a child I spent many hours at the local library immersed in books about the Master Painters of the Renaissance. When I wasn't at the library, I was outdoors playing with insects and wildlife, building cities for my Matchbox cars and riding my bike. (Yes, I was a tomboy . . . and still am!)

In my formative years I studied art under a private tutor who taught me the drawing basics. During my twenties I began to experiment with acrylic and oil mediums. As my confidence grew I began to branch out and try other mediums like wate...

I have had a lifelong fascination with wildlife and art. As a child I spent many hours at the local library immersed in books about the Master Painters of the Renaissance. When I wasn't at the library, I was outdoors playing with insects and wildlife, building cities for my Matchbox cars and riding my bike. (Yes, I was a tomboy . . . and still am!)

In my formative years I studied art under a private tutor who taught me the drawing basics. During my twenties I began to experiment with acrylic and oil mediums. As my confidence grew I began to branch out and try other mediums like watercolor, gauche and pastel. I still enjoy experimenting with techniques and mediums, but the bulk of my work is in acrylic and oil.

As an adult, I traveled the U.S. to experience the variety of cultures, landscapes and wildlife we have here. While in Arizona, I was introduced to the amazing art of the Southwest. I fell in love with the vivid colors and realistic style the artists use to tell the story of the American Southwest. The Southwestern style has been a major influence on my work especially the vivid color palette.

I am an avid gardener, and with the help of my husband, we have created a haven for wildlife in our yard near the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida. My concern for wildlife habitat loss and the devastating effects of urban sprawl has led me to study, paint and deeply appreciate the indigenous wildlife of North America.

IMPORTANT CAREER EVENTS: In May I had my first Solo Art Show at the L2 Gallery in Seaside, FL. This is an exciting milestone in my artistic career and I am working toward more Solo Shows in the future!

OTHER PLACES TO SEE MY WORK: Turning Leaf Gallery in Blue Ridge,GA (http://www.turningleafwoodart.com); Etsy.com (http://odessakelley.etsy.com); My Website: http://www.odessakelley.com

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

I am available for commissioned paintings. A more detailed description of my process is on my website along with examples of commissioned paintings.