Kelley Carey MacDonald
Art gives me the power to convey my joy and wonder about this wonderful world.
Instagram: @kelley_macdonald_art
Providence, RI
I am stepping back into intuitive abstraction after a series of Interior Paintings. I find that abstract work truly informs my representational work, though for a long time I didn’t understand how it did. I read that every painting is a good abstract painting, and I feel that the color, line, and shapes I develop in my abstract work really enrich my decisions when I am painting representationally, whether that is still life, plein air, or interiors. Every decision I make about structure, color harmony, line work, or materials affects every painting going forward. Also, PURE JOY! I feel we all need a little of that.
I create paintings in different genres that reflect my joy, my wonder, and my curiosity.
What’s the story behind your work?
Well, I believe all good paintings are good abstract paintings, so I develop my pieces, whether reality-based or purely intuitive, to have a good compositional base. I try to emphasize the beauty I am either seeing or feeling.
What do you hope people will feel when they see it?
It is my hope that people recognize the awe I feel for the beauty we all have around us.
How does your work create community or bring people together?
When people enjoy what I paint, I hope it is because of a commonality we all have to see beyond what is in front of us, to appreciate the golden moments we all have, and may share with each other.
Who helped you along the way?
Ah. MANY people helped me! Valarie Vitalli was inspirational as a beginning painter, as was Patti Gray. As I moved towards abstraction Theresa Girard is my guiding light, and has helped me crack myself open and be brave in my work.
How do you give back/support others?
I teach, and though I feel I actually get MORE from the classes than my students do, I love love love to see the spark within each person and encourage its nurturing. I feel filled in my soul when a student from years ago sees me and makes sure I know how much it meant to them to study with me, and how much the encouragement meant to them.
