Artist  Information:    Statement           Biographical Information

MIKE KELLY

Depicting the way the world is actually seen is not nearly as important as communicating the sensation, the essence of a particular mood, feeling or remembered moment in time.

A painting can't be just what the painting is ot the subject of the painting does not mean it is interesting as a work of art. It must go beyond mere representation to deliver a concentrated version of reality.

My goal is to heighten the viewers sensitivity to color by introducing an unexpected note of discord and making it work.

Mike graduated from the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis with lofty aspirations of becoming an illustrator. He switched to design when reality set in and worked as a designer and partner at a leading Chicago brand identity firm for thirty years.

After receiving over 400 awards for his work in corporate identity and packaging design, he decided it was finally time to: "Escape the tyranny of decision by focus groups" and now paints full time.

Recent Exhibits and Awards
2003-2007 Edgewood Orchard Galleries, Fish Creek, WI
2005-2008 Editions Limited, Indianapolis, IN
2005Ward Gallery, Harbor Springs, MI
2006 Ward Gallery, Harbor Springs, MI Two Person Show
2006 Art Access Gallery, Columbus, OH, Group Show, Works On Paper
2007 Herron School Of Art And Design, Indianapolis, IN, Alumni Show Painting Award
2007 Midwest Museum of American Art Regional Exhibit
2008 Featured artist in ad for Blick art materials / Pastel Journal Magazine, April 2008