Kelly Singleton was born and raised in rural Maryland. Her passion for animals was instilled early on and growing up she expressed this passion through art. She went on to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art where she graduated with a BFA in illustration. This led to a career as a graphic artist, which she did for over 20 years. Throughout, she actively painted and exhibited her wildlife paintings. In 2018, she went full time with her art and relocated to northern Colorado where she has been inspired by its wildlife and rugged beauty.
Kelly makes frequent trips into local and national parks of the western United States to observe and gather reference of wildlife. These trips fuel inspiration for new work. The artist feels the best part of being a wildlife painter is the fieldwork. Back home in the studio, Kelly brings her paintings to life in oils. She hopes that her work brings attention to the beauty of nature and that it also conveys the importance of preserving it.
She is a Signature Member of the Society of Animal Artists and has won several of their awards, including their coveted Award of Excellence. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and many private collections. She participates in several prominent national shows each year. Kelly lives in Longmont, CO with her husband, Jimmy and their two beloved dogs, Hank & Jake.
Statement
My work has always been inspired by nature. I don’t believe I’d be an artist otherwise. Frequent outings into nature fuel inspiration for new work. Being in the field with wildlife is my favorite part of being a wildlife artist. I take loads of reference photos. Back home in the studio, I spend time carefully going through my references and composing my ideas before laying down paint. Oil paint is my preferred medium for bringing my subjects to life. I paint in a realistic manner, but I strive to not paint every little hair or feather, rather the illusion of detail.
When people view my work, I sincerely hope that it brings attention to the beauty of nature and that it also conveys the importance of respecting and preserving it.