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About Cheryl Kelley

Experience the evolution of a master painter whose journey from abstract expressionism to photorealism creates truly collectible works of enduring beauty.

Cheryl Kelley

Artist Statement

Beauty and contemplation have been my constant companions in a life-long artistic journey that has transformed from ethereal abstracts to mirror-like photorealism and back again.

This pursuit of artistic truth began in childhood, where art has been my lifelong passion, beginning with childhood explorations across diverse media – from drawing and collage to sculpture and jewelry.

At age 10, my dedication led to formal oil painting training, establishing what would become my primary medium. After graduating from Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and studying fine arts at the University of Houston, I launched my career as an abstract expressionist in Houston's contemporary art scene.

My artistic journey has evolved through distinct phases: from early abstract expressionism to photorealism in the early 2000s, when my work caught the attention of prominent New York City galleries. For nearly two decades, I focused on hyperrealist paintings of classic cars, inspired by reflections from my own collection.

In 2019, I embarked on a new creative chapter, returning to abstraction while exploring landscapes and figurative work, including a realist series featuring classical angel statuary. Regardless of genre, my work emerges from an inner sanctuary, aiming to evoke emotion and contemplation in viewers.

I build each piece through careful layering, creating both physical and emotional depth. My goal is to elevate observers beyond the mundane, offering moments of inner peace through art. In contrast to contemporary art's often cynical stance, I consistently choose to pursue beauty and truth. Through my work, I seek to transmit goodwill and love to every viewer.

Career Highlights

A comprehensive overview of solo exhibitions and group shows spanning over two decades of artistic achievement

Solo Shows

  • 2018
    Bernarducci Gallery
    New York, NY
  • 2016
    Scott Richards Contemporary Art
    San Francisco, CA
  • 2015
    Seven Bridges Foundation
    Greenwich, CT
  • 2013
    Samek Art Gallery, Bucknell University
    Lewisburg, PA
  • 2013
    Bernarducci Meisel
    New York, NY
  • 2012
    "Detailed" Scott Richards Contemporary Art
    San Francisco, CA
  • 2010
    Bernarducci Meisel
    New York, NY
  • 2010
    New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 2009
    "Heavy Metal" Scott Richards Contemporary Art
    San Francisco, CA
  • 2009
    New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 2008
    Lyons Wier Ortt
    New York, NY
  • 2007
    "Somnambulist" New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 2006
    "Wheels" Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery
    New York, NY
  • 2005
    "Muscle Cars" Lyons Weir Gallery
    New York, NY
  • 2005
    "American Muscle" New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 2003
    "Flight" New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 2002
    "Self Portrait" New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 2001
    New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 1998
    Artist's Loft
    Galveston, TX

Group Shows

  • 2025
    Las Cruces Museum of Art
    Las Cruces, NM
  • 2025
    Historic City Hall Cultural Art Center
    Lake Charles, LA
  • 2024
    National Corvette Museum
    Bowling Green, KY
  • 2024
    San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
    San Angelo, TX
  • 2023
    The Citadel Art Museum
    Canadian, TX
  • 2023
    The Dennis Museum Center
    Traverse City, MI
  • 2022
    Evoke Contemporary Gallery
    Santa Fe, NM
  • 2022
    Auburn Cord, Duesenberg Automobile Museum
    Auburn, IN
  • 2022
    Museum of the Rockies
    Bozeman, MT
  • 2022
    Lyman Allyn Art Museum
    New London, CT
  • 2021
    Lyman Allyn Art Museum
    New London, CT
  • 2021
    Anthony Brunelli Fine Art
    Binghamton, NY
  • 2021
    Art Museum of South Texas
    Corpus Christi, TX
  • 2021
    The Ella Carothers Dunnegan Gallery of Art
    Boliver, MO
  • 2020
    The Michelle and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts
    Springfield, MA
  • 2020
    The Morris Museum of Art
    Augusta, GA
  • 2019
    Haggin Museum
    Stockton, CA
  • 2019
    Sangre de Christo Arts and Conference Center
    Pueblo, CO
  • 2019
    Saginaw Art Museum
    Saginaw, MI
  • 2019
    Evelyn Burrow Museum
    Hanceville, AL
  • 2018
    Maria V. Howard Art Center
    Rocky Mount, NC
  • 2018
    Dane G. Hansen Memorial Museum
    Logan, KS
  • 2018
    Art Museum of South Texas, Luster
    Corpus Christi, TX
  • 2018
    Museum of Arts and Sciences, Luster
    Daytona Beach, FL
  • 2017
    Bernarducci Gallery
    New York, NY
  • 2013
    Route 66, Skidmore Contemporary Art
    Malibu, CA
  • 2013
    Photorealism Revisited, Oklahoma City Museum of Art
    Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2012
    Photorealism, The Galerie de Bellefeuile
    Canada
  • 2012
    Beyond Reality. Hyper Realism and American Culture, Vero Beach Museum
    Vero Beach, FL
  • 2011
    Hunting Prize Finalist Gala
    Houston, TX
  • 2010
    Grand Re-opening, Bernarducci Meisel
    New York, NY
  • 2010
    "Four Women" Bernarducci Meisel
    New York, NY
  • 2009
    Hunting Prize Finalist Gala
    Houston, TX
  • 2008
    Pulse Miami, Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery
    Miami, FL
  • 2008
    Red Dot Miami, Scott Richards Contemporary
    Miami, FL
  • 2008
    Aqua Hotel, Miami, New Gallery
    Miami, FL
  • 2008
    Lyons Wier Ortt, Works on Paper
    New York, NY
  • 2008
    Scott Richards Contemporary
    San Francisco, CA
  • 2008
    Fotofest, New Gallery
    Houston, TX
  • 2008
    LA Art Fair, Scott Richards Contemporary
    Los Angeles, CA

Grants/Awards

Lectures

Collections