Vermilion Arts Guild's Gary Kelley: Teacher With Talent

Gary Kelley works in pencil, pen and ink. He didn’t begin his artistic journey until age 50 and after retiring from a teaching career. You would never know that he is “new” through the quality of his work, particularly his depiction of birds.

Who or what inspired you create art? “I like the transparency of watercolor. I have also been an admirer of architecture.”

What is your favorite part of creating your art? Is it the planning, the anticipation of what might be, the process? “The process is important to me. Since many of my works are inspired by photos given me by friends and family, I must put thought into the original experience when the picture was taken. Colors, time of day, shadows, what was intended to be captured when snapping the pic., the weather, the mood, all come into play.”

What do you do to prepare yourself for creating art? “I call on music in the background. The drama inspired me to put purpose into my brushstrokes.”

If you weren't creating art, what would you be doing? “Exactly what I do now. I am a teacher, a student, a bird watcher, a grandfather, a friend, a learner and an observer of life.”

What did you do for a living and for how long? “Of the dozens of jobs I have enjoyed, I taught English literature for 20 years and was a principal for 10 years. I retired from the business world after 20 years this last winter.”

Did your art at all relate to your job or was it an escape? “Since I taught to my students many of the poets of the Romantic Age, I will many times harken to the love of nature present in Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats and Tennyson.”

What brings you to the Vermilion Arts Guild? “An opportunity to work should-to-shoulder with talented makers of art.”

Can you share any memorable stories about your art and how it might have touched someone? “My painting of Catalina Island off the California coast was my gift to friends who joined my wife and I on that vacation.”

Is there a best moment ever as it relates to your art? “My best moments are when a commissioned painting reaches the hands of the intended, be it a birthday or anniversary present.”

Out of everything you've ever created, do you have a favorite? "Like my children and grandchildren, my works all have a story and a personality i cherish.”