Kelli McGregor is a professional artist who began her artistic career later in life than most, her experience in architectural design heightened her awareness of space and negative shapes and of the compositional dynamic they create. Kelli combines training in design with an unerring sense of the aesthetic to produce her striking figurative paintings. While they are essentially studies in composition and colour, her images convey a feeling of the warmth and energy that is evocative of the Australian lifestyle.
Her landscape paintings not only encapsulate the essential elements, colours and features of the Australian landscape, but also recreate the ambience and the 'feel' of being there. Typically, her work is exuberant, vibrant, confident and eye-catching. Most pieces are charged with positive energy, and overflow with dazzling colour.
Born in country Victoria Kelli later lived in a number of places including Perth and Alice Springs and Darwin before finally moving to settle in the Fraser Coast QLD, where she is now based.
Full time practicing visual artist, trading from a purpose built studio / workshop in Maryborough. The practice encompasses services and products ranging from art tuition workshops to the production of original high-quality artworks for art award entry and for sale through exhibition at local and national art galleries.
Feature artist for ‘Colour in your life’ TV programme.
Mixed media demonstrator for Artists Palette magazine.
RATS (Regional Artists & Tutors) Founder and co-ordinator for community projects.
Arts representative on the Maryborough ‘Imagine this City’ community forum.
Fraser Coast Region facilitator for Creative regions ‘Afloat’ project.
Fraser Coast Region Arts Alliance committee member (Marketing & Promotion)
I'm fascinated to see how people react to both their environment and with each other, so I try to express body language and mood rather than a realistic image. I didn't set out to be an environmental artist or to create artwork relating to social commentary but I do want to capture the relationship we have with our natural environment.
Recently my work has involved the creation of conceptually based Sociocultural, Sociohistorical works painted as an acknowledgment of past injustices, and in a way, as personal reparation. As such, my artistic challenge lies less in the concept, than in how best to render my interpretation of the past. This aspect of reparation, in personal and emotional terms, involves treating the subject with integrity.
During developmental stages I experiment with many techniques and colours, seeking materials and textures that might express my emotional response to the research I’m gathering. I create a series of pen and ink studies, feeling my way into the series, assessing my emotions and the story I want to tell. My current works are created using a mix of charcoal drawing, acrylic underpainting, splashes of shellac and in some cases by the use of digital text.
There isn't a right or a wrong message, each person takes something a little different from the same picture.
How was this location?: OK How was the price?: Great value
I would recommend this teacher
"relaxed teaching style"
5/5 stars Kathryn Bourke
Always a welcoming and encouraging teacher with a variety of interesting course options.
Pros: Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Fun, Good communicator
How was this location?: OK How was the price?: Great value
I would recommend this teacher
"A good learning experience"
4/5 stars Jan Wilson
Kelli gave good clear instruction in her demonstrations. She also gave encouraging comments to people of all levels in assessing their work. She also pushed students a little beyond their boundaries to try different approaches. The final day was more experimental and everyone had fun.
Pros: Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Funny, Fun, Good communicator
How was this location?: OK How was the price?: Great value
I would recommend this teacher
"A wonderful artist and teacher"
5/5 stars Janet Revill
Kelli is an ideal teacher - she is patient, very thorough in her explanations and demonstrations and besides being an amazing artist herself - she is fun to be around, light-hearted, spontaneous and very encouraging! Proof of this is that her students return again and again for her tuition!
Pros: Helpful, Encouraging, Patient, Funny, Fun, Good communicator
How was this location?: OK How was the price?: Great value
I would recommend this teacher
"Great Learning Experience"
5/5 stars Coralie Bryden
I have attended several Workshops at Kelli's Art and regularly attend her Mentoring classes. I find Kelli to be a knowledgeable and engaging teacher with a pleasant informal delivery. I think the key to her success is that she doesn't just tell students what to do, but shows them and follows up with one-on-one constructive help. Classes are informal, informative, reasonably priced, and fun. This is a perfect mix for painters of all levels, and I highly recommend the experience
Pros: Helpful, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Fun, Good communicator
How was this location?: OK How was the price?: Great value
I would recommend this teacher