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Last summer brought new artists to taste. Among the fresh talent were paintings by the unique portrait artist Kelly Jo Shows represented by Candita Clayton Gallery. Kelly Jo takes an unconventional approach into her creations, focusing on shoes rather than faces to represent her subjects’ personality. The shoes she’s given display wear from all walks of life. Some are hard-worn, speckled with paint, classy, comfortable (like bedroom slippers), dressy, or a multitude of colorful converse sneakers. Each is as individual as their owner, and Kelly Jo Shows captures this through her detailed portraits.
I’m excited as this summer approaches to be working with Kelly Jo on a commissioned family portrait (think shoes instead of head shots) that will perfectly complete the interior of our clients’ summer home. Kelly Jo has just the right amount of modern sophistication and unique style to create this young family’s portrait. I’m looking forward to the process — reviewing the shoe choices, delivering these carefully selected pairs to Kelly Jo, and watching her transform them into two-dimensional perfection.
Enjoy a sampling of Kelly Jo Show’s portraits below. She has more wonderful portraits on Candita’s website, and a great look behind the scenes on her Instagram page at @fearnoart11. Be sure to check both out.
Only the best,
A shot inside her studio.
A completed commissioned piece drying on her easel.
Portrait of Artist Billy Childish by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of Artist Candy Chang by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of Artist John Casey by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of Artist Mark Ryden by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of Artist Martha Coburn by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of Artist Patrick Finster by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of Artist The Art Guys by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of Artist TMNK by Kelly Jo Shows
Portrait of artist Alan Neider by Kelly Jo Shows
