Kelly’s landscape artworks offer a deep connection to the natural world, drawing inspiration from the environments that surround her. Her pieces capture the essence of the forest—vast, ever-changing, and full of sensory experiences. Kelly’s goal is to immerse the viewer in the scene, inviting them to witness nature’s constant evolution in a single, fleeting moment where light, water, and time align perfectly.
Rather than focusing on a realistic depiction, Kelly’s work amplifies the interplay of light, weather, and textures found in nature. She seeks to enhance these elements, offering a fresh perspective on the landscapes she portrays.
Working primarily in oil paints, Kelly occasionally incorporates pastel and watercolour, favoring the way these mediums blend and allow for depth and nuance. This technique supports her process of layering, enabling her to revisit each piece multiple times as it evolves. While she occasionally works in an alla prima style, Kelly often develops her paintings in stages, letting each layer dry before continuing. The layering process mirrors the ongoing narrative of nature, with each piece reflecting the perpetual change that defines the natural world. Her subdued color palette evokes the shifting tones of the landscape, with an intention to mirror the unpredictable nature of the weather. This approach resonates with one of her favorite Picasso quotes: "I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else."
In addition to her art, Kelly runs a maintenance business with her husband and is actively involved in restoring their 130-year-old home and gardens with their three sons. Whether between the Mornington Peninsula and Sherbrooke Forest, traveling further afield, or in the midst of family life, Kelly constantly finds inspiration in the transitory beauty of the world around her.