Artists of Note | Kelli Folsom - Southwest Art Magazine

A clear vision

Kelli Folsom, French Jar and Nectarines, oil, 11 x 14.

This story was featured in the August 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art August 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

WITH THEIR CLASSIC, old-master beauty and drama, Kelli Folsom’s still-life paintings have received a great deal of national recognition since she graduated from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts about a decade ago. Although still lifes have formed the core of her work since her days as a fine-art student, says Folsom, she also portrays landscapes en plein air. “I love the experience of painting from life—that started in art school. My intense joy and pleasure comes from that in-the-moment interaction.”

: Kelli Folsom, Pomegranate and Fall Leaves, oil, 11 x 14.

: Kelli Folsom, I See Your Face in Every Flower, oil, 24 x 12.

: Kelli Folsom, French Bowl and Lemons, oil, 12 x 24.

Early on in her studies, the artist also zeroed in on the dramatic light-and-shadow effects captured by artists ranging from Caravaggio to Rembrandt. Naturally, in her own work, light and shadow play a leading role, as does the oil paint itself. “I was never attracted to hyperrealistic paintings,” says Folsom, whose works are completed alla prima in just one or two sittings. “I want to see the oil paint be a little freer. I feel like the paint is communicating what the artist is thinking.”

Since moving from Oklahoma to Denver, CO, in 2017, Folsom has been helping others find their own artistic voices. She designed an online mentoring program just for this purpose, and she also teaches workshops and video lessons. “It’s really a matter of finding what energizes you and brings you the most pleasure,” says the artist. “If you have a vision, if you have an identity, you can always be working forward and improving upon technique.” —Kim Agricola

Folsom is represented by Howell Gallery, Oklahoma City, OK, and Reinert Fine Art, Charleston, SC.