David Kelly

I was born in 1959 in Mulanje, Malawi. My dad was an engineer on the Tea Estates and sent us all off to Zimbabwe from age 5 to private boarding school. My interest in drawing and painting started at an early age, so my dad became my best encourager, buying me painting sets and showing me off to his friends. In later years, my love of wildlife got me focused on painting and sketching animals.
Encouraged by the fact that people were prepared to buy my paintings, I ventured to the UK, taking my work in person and talking to Gallery owners. I struck lucky within a short time and was accepted to work with the Quay Gallery in Poole, Dorset. The owner loved my work and promoted it, publishing Limited Editions of my work and giving it prime space in his large private gallery.
I have traveled quite extensively, but Africa and its chaotic beauty always draws me back.

Cambridge high School certificate
University of Life

I have exhibited in Malawi, South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Zambia and Zimbabwe. I have also sold work through Christies Auction house in London. I have exhibited alongside well-known names like the late David Shepherd, Anthony Gibbs, John Seery-lester and many others.