Kelly Davies

Artists such a Leonardo DaVinci and Vincent VanGough inspire me. I like the concept of painting a modern portrait that is influenced by the strokes, color and techniques of century old masterpieces. Timeless art, to me, is a painting that intrigues not only the viewer but also the model and the artist. It has been my sole goal throughout my progression as an apprentice of the craft to please all audiences with my oil paintings. The wide spectrum of colors that skin can portray fascinates me and it is because of this fascination that I have come to study and paint the human face. An inspiring face is one in which I believe will be able to translate the personality of the person onto the canvas. I chose my four models based on my personal liking of their face and how well I thought I could express how externally and internally beautiful they each are. The theme of color relationships echo throughout my collection, requiring a separate palette for each painting. Oil painting, being that is was the media of master artists I have admired, is my choice of media for its ability to be manipulated for days before drying as well as its durability to last for centuries. Being able to change and control the paint allows for a more modern application in larger and thinner strokes. Modern day painter Elizabeth Peyton has largely inspired my incorporation of layering paint and incorporating background colors as an expression of the subject’s personality. Each of my subject’s expressions relate to contemporary issues. The concepts of war, religion, society’s idea of beauty, and unconditional love are each underlying themes in all of my paintings. I intend to use these works of art as an introduction to my fusing of oil painting and fashion. Besides painting my passion resides in fashion and I would hope that my future in art can combine my love for both the human face and body.