Artists of Note | Kelley Goldsmith

Traditional, Old World style

1215Brass&Apples

Kelley Goldsmith, Brass & Apples, oil, 12 x 16.

This story was featured in the December 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story

Texas-based artist Kelley Goldsmith grew up in a creative household, influenced by her mother, an appreciator of art who enjoyed drawing, as well as her grandmother and great-grandmother, who were both oil painters. Goldsmith reveled in her grandmother’s lessons when she visited, and she produced her own oil painting at the age of 10, winning honorable mention in a regional youth art show in the Baltimore area. But life moved quickly, and it wasn’t until 2009 that she began to pursue fine art full time. “All my life I had that oil painting in my head that I did when I was 10,” she says. “In the meantime I had three kids, and once everyone grew up, my husband and I moved to Bastrop, TX. Before we moved I knew that I was going to pursue art.”

Finding a community of artists in Bastrop helped Goldsmith easily move into her painting career. She connected with the local artists’ guild and met her mentor of the past six years, Ruth Ortiz, at a Christmas party. Ortiz guided Goldsmith in finding what she loves to paint, leading Goldsmith to focus on the still life in oils. With soft lighting and an impressionistic feel, Goldsmith uses her love of produce and antiques to create arrangements inspired by the Dutch masters. “Getting back into oil painting was like a spiritual experience,” she says. “It was as if I found where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do.” —Joe Kovack

Goldsmith’s work can be found at Art Connections Gallery, Bastrop, TX, and www.kelleygoldsmith.com.

Featured in the December 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art December 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

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