Biography

Kelly Mitchelmore

"You paint because it feels good so swing easy kid." These simple words from Jean Mosher, my grandmother and teacher, have been the mantra for my life. Well that and "It's a dog's life, kiddo", although I have chosen to be less inclined to follow the latter. I went from 14 years in the Canadian Navy, to getting my Bachelors of Interior Design and working in an architect firm in Calgary, to where I am now - running the Phoenix Hollow B&B in Windsor Nova Scotia. I have toured the world, celebrated diversity, and have painted all along the way.

Native to Nova Scotia, I work mostly with knives, creating bold and luminescent works in both oil and acrylic. My large impasto works (knife paintings) reflect my approach to life and art, revealing movement and texture through saturated hues and thick layers. Known for my vibrant pallet, I enjoy painting flowers and nature trying to capture the moment of discovery. I think it is important to remember that art has many faces and that while many works can be meaningful and deep some can simply be pretty. Sometimes it is the simple works that bring a smile that mean the most to me.

In 2009 I was also honoured to have been awarded the contract for the 90th anniversary mural at the local Legion branch 009. This is a 12' x 4' representation of the military, the Legion, and the Windsor community and how they have all grown together over the last 90 years. Titled Cadence, it is the largest work I have created to date and was the impetus for all of my larger works there after.

In the last few years I have had a break through with my work - I paint almost every day and have shipped my work internationally sharing my creations with my patron's homes. I see where my work is headed and I am excited - I am slowly becoming the artist I want to be. It would be remiss of me not to thank my husband Jonathan for this development of my skill and confidence. He is my biggest fan and supporter- without whom I would probably still be in the Navy trying to find my way home. Thank you, my little atlas.

I am constantly bringing art, community and charity together through shows, festivals, and associations as I am a huge believer that you get out of life, love, and art what you give into it. Sometimes you need to be your own momentum and hope that others will get caught up in the energy.

Currently I show with Nova Scotia Art Gallery (sales and rentals), Avondale Sky Winery Nova Scotia, 1274 Hollis gallery, Gallery 215, Jacks Gallery, The Flying Cloud Boutique and my in-house gallery at Phoenix Hollow B&B Windsor Nova Scotia. I am also a fine arts instructor with Nova Scotia Community College. I am always looking for new students, commissions or showing opportunities so please feel free to contact me, and thank you for your interest in me and my work.

-Kelly

You can see Kelly's work at her home gallery at the Phoenix Hollow B&B.