Kelly Abel

Growing up I always knew I wanted to do something with art. Art class was surely my favorite class during my schooling years, so much so, that when it was time for college I knew that I would study art. Hurried to pick a major, I chose Graphic Design. It seemed the logical choice since this is where the world was heading. First semester in, took my first graphics class and hated every minute of it. This Graphic Design class although I hated it, and it was rough for me, pushed me to find that type of art I was truly passionate about. I transferred schools and when again pressured to pick a major, I didn’t. I started out slow and decided to take some classes that would go towards any art degree in hopes to find that passion. It did not take long. I found myself in a life drawing class that just felt right. After that semester I knew what I wanted to do. I would major in Painting and Drawing. This did not go over so well with my parents, for all they could think about is the cost of school, the time it would take, and at the end of it all, I’d be a starving artist. I’m very grateful that my parents were able to put me through college, so to honor them I kept enough courses to learn software that I could get a “real” job after I graduated. My heart, though, was painting and still is.

If you would have asked me then what else I would have pursued besides art, I would have said I don’t know. Little did I know that later in life I would be the one to be pursued. I found a profound love. The love of Jesus. Once this happened, my whole life has changed, including the purpose and the “why” behind my art. I never had a cause or and idea why I like to paint what I painted, other than I liked it. This didn’t go over very well in critiques at school. God has shown me through the years the things I have been attracted to paint are because He cares for those same things. I paint a broad spectrum of things as you will see in my portfolio, but my favorite thing to paint are trees. I didn’t quite understand why I was drawn to paint them until years later. Now I know. I love to paint them because In God’s Word trees are a symbol of strength, and if rooted in Him and His Word they bear fruit. This is very personal to me. God’s creation is beautiful and I am honored and inspired to paint what He has created.

It is time to do more. Here I am wanting share the gift that has been given with others. I am a wife, a mom to three children and two dogs. My life is at a point where I believe God is calling me to tackle my dream in a more intentional way. Although I have done many things over the years with my art, I am ready to go to the next level. On my site you will see my work from the past, current work that is available for purchase and you will also have the opportunity to hire me to create custom artwork. I would love to brighten up a room of your home or office, bring joy to your family, and any other that may look upon my work. CtW