{"title":"Kelly Charles","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"184\" data-end=\"529\"\u003eKelly Charles began drawing at school, but like many artists, life, work and raising a family drew her away from creative practice for many years. Several years ago, she painted a work for charity and rediscovered just how essential art was to her life. What began as a single piece quickly became an enduring and deeply personal practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"749\"\u003eLargely self-taught, Kelly has never felt bound by the rules of genre. She enjoys changing direction, exploring different subjects and approaches, and believes this freedom keeps her work fresh, curious and evolving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"1128\"\u003eWorking primarily in oil, her process is slow and deliberate. Her studio—once a small bedroom belonging to one of her sons—is now her creative sanctuary. Inspired by the home-studio of Margaret Olley, the space is filled with meaningful objects, music, her dog Stella, and paint. Every item holds the potential for a painting, and time seems to stand still when she is there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1311\"\u003eKelly’s subjects are wide-ranging and often drawn from everyday objects. Influenced by contemporary realism and elements of pop art, she paints simply what captures her attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1313\" data-end=\"1439\"\u003eHer husband, a photographer, has also influenced her practice, encouraging a closer observation of light, shadow and detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1563\"\u003eThrough painting, Kelly seeks joy in the ordinary and explores the vibrant energy that connects us to the world around us.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/6005\/2180\/collections\/Screenshot_2025-12-12_142401.png?v=1765513486","url":"https:\/\/grammarartshow.com\/collections\/kelly-charles-1.oembed","provider":"Toowoomba Grammar School Art Show","version":"1.0","type":"link"}