John Kelly’s creative journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the enduring pull of artistic curiosity. Born in Paris to American parents, Kelly’s early life was marked by movement and adaptation, eventually leading him to formative years in New York City during the vibrant East Village art scene of the early 1980s. There, he immersed himself in a world of neo-expressionism, punk, and post-punk influences, showing his work in local galleries and developing a style characterized by bold expression and experimentation.
After a period working as a commercial artist and magazine designer, Kelly relocated to Los Angeles, where his art evolved to embrace more figurative and surrealistic elements, drawing inspiration from Renaissance masters and contemporary influences alike. Over time, his canvases shifted from large, dramatic compositions to more intimate portraits, focusing on atmosphere, subtlety, and the nuanced interplay of light and space.
Settling in Paris with his family, Kelly found a new creative community and began exhibiting in renowned salons and galleries, including the Salon d’Automne and the Carrousel du Louvre. His work, often centered on live models, explores themes of the gaze, vulnerability, and agency. The “Mirror and Windows” series, for example, challenges traditional power dynamics by inviting models to turn the gaze back on the artist—and, by extension, the viewer—using mirrors as both literal and metaphorical devices.
Kelly’s approach to painting is deeply collaborative, often working with the same models over many years to foster trust and authenticity. He values the energy and spontaneity that live modeling brings, while also using photographs as references for complex compositions involving fabric and movement. For Kelly, the process is as important as the product; he is candid about the frustrations and self-critique that accompany his work, viewing each painting as part of an ongoing journey of discovery.
Solitude and observation play crucial roles in Kelly’s creative process. He finds inspiration in the everyday life of Paris—sketching in cafés, watching faces on the metro, and absorbing the subtle gestures and interactions of strangers. This practice of looking, he believes, is essential for any artist seeking to capture the truth of the human form and spirit.
To young figurative artists, Kelly offers the advice that persistence and honest observation are key. He encourages embracing the inevitable “bad paintings” as necessary steps toward finding one’s voice, and stresses the importance of balancing external feedback with personal integrity.
For Kelly, creativity is an irresistible force—a need as vital as any other. His art is both a personal compulsion and a means of connecting with others, inviting viewers to reflect on their own roles as observers and participants in the creative act.
Learn more about John Kelly and view his work at johnkellyart.com, on Instagram @johnkellyart, and on Facebook at John Kelly Art.
