ABOUT

Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Art Celebrating the joy of Movement.

 

ARTIST STATEMENT:

I'm an expressionist artist working with acrylic and mixed media to make bold, colorful abstracts. I create dynamic paintings that celebrate the beauty and joy of movement.

Art is a playful practice for me. I use it as a way to get out of my head and surrender to the moment, inviting joy into my life.  For my process, first I try to zone out and remove my self as much as possible. I let the energy around me (I call it my Muses) flow through me and create using my hands. I pop on an audiobook, preferably a fantasy romance type which is like junk food for my brain, enter a flow state and let the muses take over. Usually we start with a translucent background, followed by a few dark skeleton layers painted loosely with a “magic wand” technique, and then more and more opaque and translucent layers until it feels complete.  I always keep my brushstrokes loose and free so you can feel the movement on the canvas.

Though I try not to create recognizable shapes, some often emerge - women, birds, flowers, and fish are repeat themes. I love abstract art because it gives the viewer the freedom of  looking at a piece and seeing whatever your unique mind decides on. I want you to feel the energy and be lit up by the color, while ultimately the interpretation of my work is yours alone. 

 

ARTIST BIO:

Kelly Andresen makes expressionist abstract art influenced by freedom of movement. She creates work that invites you to feel the energy and enjoy the colors while giving your unique mind space to  interpret the meaning for itself.

Kelly was born in Puerto Rico, and grew up in many places including Texas, West Virginia, and Calgary giving her lots of multicultural experience. She studied Animation at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, which taught her loads of classic artistic skills, but didn't translate well to employment. After graduating from the Art Institute, she looked and failed to find gainful artistic employment, and made art less and less in her free time. Covid was a blessing for her, as she found herself unemployed and well funded for the first time in her life. She studied abstract painting under Amira Rahim and began creating prolifically. It was as if she came back to life. 

Thinking back on it, the red string that connected all her joyful pursuits was a love of motion – animation, the ballet she studied as a child, a decade of kung fu – it was all the same basic principle expressed in different ways. So she began to express it with art. Now she continues to explore the beauty of motion in art with vivid colors one painting at a time.

She exhibits in shows around Pittsburgh and can always be found online at www.kellyandresenart.com

Also owner of Kelly's Sweets and Greets in Pittsburgh, specializing in fine chocolates, greeting cards, collectables, and gifts.  www.kellyssweetsandgreets.com