We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Phipps. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly below.

Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey of learning has woven among many disciplines, and I’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful teachers. I initially taught myself how to draw as a youth, and when I was about 20 years old, I had the fortune to meet a group of working artists based in Asheville, one of which really took me under her wing and started taking me out landscape painting with her. I did learn a lot, but I wasn’t satisfied with the quality of my work. I didn’t know how to handle paint, and my drawing was limited. In the mid 2000’s I started learning in a traditional Atelier which taught Old Master’s Methods of drawing and picture making. So, I really threw myself into learning how to draw with vine charcoal for about two years. I then continued to work with oils at the Atelier, this whole time just working from still life. I learned how to draw shape, form and distinguish light from dark. I learned to see whole and understand values. This was the biggest turning point in my journey as an artist.

Kelly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Although I had been drawing for most of my life, it was in my mid-twenties when an artist friend suggested I show some of my work to a local gallery. I was absolutely stunned when the gallery owner accepted a couple and called within the week to say she had sold one! I couldn’t believe it. After that, I just kept taking little paintings to her and I made a little money. Throughout the years, I would ponder the question of what was the use of my painting…why was I doing it? Of what service to humanity was it? Those questions really held me back for a long time. It’s like asking why birds sing. It’s just an artist’s nature to create and after getting feedback from those who view and value my work, I was truly humbled. They were grateful for the beauty it brought to them everyday and I felt great honor in being able to help my fellow man like that.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It’s always been difficult to monetize art, so often a lack of sales will make us feel very unsupported. Look outside your own circle and you will find an audience for your art. With the internet, this makes it even easier. Look for ways to share your art with others and people of all demographics. I believe the support from society is there, just not from everyone. Not everyone is an art lover, their gifting and appreciation may lie in other areas and that’s ok. Just keep sharing your art and you’ll find the support you need.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Some of the toughest times for artists are the dark times when you hit a wall creatively. You suddenly seem to forget how to paint and can’t articulate what you want on canvas. All artists who have worked for any amount of time know this feeling. Just press through, just keep painting. Be ready to throw things in the bin during this time. Talk kindly to yourself and get with other creatives. Go to a museum. I’ve had the best paintings follow these dark times. For some reason, they just seem to be a stage we have to grow though.

Contact Info:

• Website: kellylanningphipps.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellylanningphipps
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@kellylanningphippsart

Image Credits
All paintings are mine, Kelly Lanning Phipps