Michael Kelly

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.

EDUCATION:

1976- A.A. Degree, Lane Community College, Eugene, OR.
1977-78- Oil Painting, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR.

JURIED UPPER DIVISION CLASSES:

1977- Centrum Master Painting Workshop, Nathan Olivera, Port Townsend, WA., Juror, Carl Morris. University of Washington.
1978- Fellowship, Centrum Master Painting Workshop, Port Townsend WA., Elaine DeKooning. University of Washington.
1979- Centrum Critique, Jack Tworkov, Port Townsend WA. University of Washington.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

1975-1978: Monitored studio classes daily through the courtesy of the Department Chairman and the professors at Lane Community College. If there were no classes I would be in the Art library.
1975-1985- Participated in open drawing and painting sessions to study the figure, four days a week.

JURIED EXHIBITIONS - national & international
2018- Emerald Spring Exhibition 2018, Emerald Art Center, Springfield, OR., National
2018- Real People 2018, International Competition, Woodstock, IL. Oct through Sept.
2018- Beaverton Art Mix, Juried Competition, Beaverton Library, Beaverton OR, Oct. Juror’s Award.
2017- Beaverton Art Mix, Oregon Juried Competition, Beaverton Library, Beaverton, OR, Oct. 5-8, Juror's Award, People's Choice Award.
2016- Artworks NW 2016, Hallie Brown Ford Gallery, Roseburg, OR, May 6- July 8.
2016- Emerald Spring Exhibition 2016, Emerald Art Center, Springfield, OR,May 3-June 3.
2015- Fall Exhibit - Taking Flight: A Visual Voyage, David Joyce Gallery, Lane Community College, Eugene, OR, Oct. 19-Jan. 8, 2016.
2015- Beaverton Art Mix, Oregon competition, Beaverton Library, Beaverton, OR










Oct.8-11. Juror’s Award.
2015- ANIMAL SPIRIT, national competition, Location 1980, Costa Mesa, CA,
September, 2015.
2015- “Singular Equations”, Solo Exhibit, Emerald Art Center, Springfield, OR, August,
2015.
2015- Williams Prize in Drawing, Finalist, Simsbury, CT., June, 2015, Catalog published.
2015- Emerald Spring Exhibition 2015, national competition, Eme...