Kelly E. James

Welcome to KellyJamesArt.

This website is intended to serve as a virtual peek into my life as an artist.  Here, you can see what is currently on the easel and read my philosophical perspectives motivating that work. You can 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 contact me. The browse gallery will usually be work that’s no longer available but may help you decide on what you might like to commission for yourself. The sales gallery provides for a way to view and purchase completed work, both original and gichlee prints, if that is your preference.

Brief biographical history

Life experiences have, and always will, motivate, drive and inspire who I am as a visual artist. I have been both student and teacher for my entire life and I am proud and humbled to admit to being a lifelong learner. Life is good.

My variety of careers continue to shape me. I celebrate my time in the graphic arts industry as both designer and industrial illustrator; in Higher Education as a college librarian and University Library Director; and in the visual arts throughout it all as painter, sculptor, illustrator and historical lecturer in the fine arts. I have lived the wonderment of further variety as I have portrayed a woman in the arts in the late 18^th century for historical venues, performed as a street musician, engaged as a plein-aire painter on the road, and even experienced life as a muleskinner in the bi-centennial wagon train.

My membership affiliations have reflected my various life paths over the years and have included the American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, and the Beta Phi Mu library honor society. Currently my affiliations include memberships in my local Arts Council, the Oil Painters of America, the Portrait Society of America, and the American Impressionist Society Inc.