Welcome.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Kelly Engel James.
I have always loved art. As a child I drew constantly and by the time I graduated from high school I realized it would be a lifelong passion, if not always my full-time vocation.
In the early 1970's I got an Associates in Arts degree and became a commercial illustrator and graphic designer for the next 21 years. At that point I returned to school to complete a Bachelors degree in the Fine Arts with a major in studio painting and a minor in art history.
I show in galleries; participate in competitions; set up at fine arts fairs; assume commissions; teach private lessons; lead workshops; do public speaking about the early arts in America; and portray an artist of the 18th century as historical interpreter. I work in many mediums but mostly I love to paint - from the very large size (public murals) to the very small scale (18th century miniature portraits and buttons).
In addition to being a working artist, I am employed as a Technical Services Librarian at a small liberal arts college. Life is good!
- This website is intended to serve as a virtual peek into my llife as an artist.
- See what is currently on the easel,
- purchase either original artwork you see here or one of the limited edition gichlee prints available for some historical genre paintings,
- commission a piece of customized artwork,
- make arrangements for me to come lecture,
- find out where I am showing or scheduled to be working on-site,
- or just speak to me.