MARY JO KELLY ~~ Artist & Plein Air Painter
MARY JO KELLY BIOGRAPHY
I studied art at the University of Toledo (Ohio) under the direction of Dianna Attie and Peter Eloian. I took Photography courses at Bowling Green State University, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Art. After graduation I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and dreamed of meeting Georgia O’Keeffe. Instead I met Tom Noble, a great Taos watercolor painter.
Moving to Eagle Nest, New Mexico and living in the ghost town of Elizabeth Town, I raised a family. Working as a ski instructor was seasonal and I created beadwork on the side. Going back to college at NM Highlands University, I earned a Master’s Degree in Education. I worked for 10 years as a Special Education Teacher in Questa, NM and retired in 2021.
I saved my money for art supplies and launched into a career as a landscape painter. I love plein air painting in the great outdoors, and entering competitions called Paint-Offs. I won the Emerging Artist award at the Wild Rivers Plein Air Paint-Off in 2019, for my painting “Sunrise over the Rio Grande”. I was accepted among 40 artists in the Frank Bette Plein Air Competition in Alameda, CA in 2021. I painted along with my artist sister in Estes Park, Colorado in 2022. Recently I entered and was thrilled to sell my mini painting “Dark Skies over Historic Taos” in the Millicent Rogers Museum Miniature Show (Taos). When I paint I look for scenes that call to me with rich colors and interesting compositions. Capturing the essence of New Mexico with its unique culture and amazing wilderness/mountainous areas, is what I strive for. My main subject is landscape, I also paint animals, wildlife and Taos architecture, using a bold style yet impressionistic sensitivity.
My body of work can be seen at the Taos Artist Collective (Taos, NM). I enjoy working at the gallery several times per month. I appreciate all the collectors who have purchased my paintings. You may call the gallery at 575-751-7122 or reach me on my cell 575-224-4220. You may also contact me via Email [email protected]
Sincerely, Mary Jo Kelly
PO Box 126, Cerro, NM 87519