Kelly Zeng

  1. Chasing Light (2023) – watercolor on Yupo; 9 x 12 in.
  2. Sailaway (2020) – watercolor on Yupo; 20 x 22 in.
  3. Tears of Sky (2022) – watercolor on Yupo; 11 x 14 in.
  4. Waves (2022) – watercolor on Yupo; 9 x 12 in.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artistic journey began as a quest for serenity and a path to reconnect with the present moment and my inner self. The act of painting captivated me, allowing me to immerse myself in the essence of the moment and the memories it held. This medium unlocked a profound sense of liberation, unlike anything I had known before. I am continually drawn to those breathtaking instances that command my full attention—the quiet observations of life in all its forms, the stillness of a tranquil scene, the drama of the ever-changing weather, and the majesty of vast landscapes. My artwork strives to encapsulate these potent experiences, those that invigorate the spirit, renew faith, and offer healing. Through my paintings, I aim to share these moments of awe, inviting others to pause, reflect, and find solace in the beauty of the world around us.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

I am Kelly, an artist whose voyage defies convention. Unlike seasoned artists, I didn’t follow the formal path of art education. Instead, I spent decades immersed in corporate life—computers, meetings, and monotony. But within me, a dormant passion stirred—a longing to express emotions beyond mere words. A chance encounter led me to Ingrid Albreight—an award-winning luminary in watercolor and mixed media. Our paths converged at the Chicago Urban Sketcher’s symposium. Ingrid’s eyes held the wisdom of countless brushstrokes, and her support breathed life into my weary soul amidst the corporate grind. Five years under Ingrid’s tutelage transformed me from a “Sunday painter” into a serious practitioner. Each stroke now carries my essence. Ingrid taught me to see beauty in the ordinary, shaping my raw talent into something profound. My journey culminated in group art shows, where my creations danced with the rhythm of colors and emotions, inviting viewers to step into my world and find solace in the extraordinary within the everyday.

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© Kelly Zeng