Ethereal Figure XII Painting

Artists Statement Michael Kelly My drawing is a spontaneous response to what I see, initiated from reality. It is expressive, not a demonstration of facility. It is not a literal description of surface qualities. It is a search for a internal reality that validates an object’s reason for being. Energy, motion, and color are the key elements in order to achieve a balanced composition. My work is a process of discovery through deconstruction. This process allows me to dignify the presence of the subject that I am working from, rather than to characterize it. I maintain the aspect of the gesture in the approach to my work. This approach allows the drawing to live and to invoke a response. My drawing is usually mixed media, although, not exclusively. The media I choose is dependent on the composition and statement that is being made. I approach my work intuitively. My work is not formulaic. I succeed. I fail. I am the real deal. I have shown in numerous national and international competitions across the country and have been honored with juror's awards, people's choice awards, and first place awards.