It's been a while!

I haven't posted to my blog in quite a while. I have been overwhelmed with starting the new clothing line BeatRed Designs and preparing for art exhibits. So, for those of who who haven't seen anything bew in a while I apologize! Here is a new piece for you to view. This one is dedicated to my Grandmother who recently passed away. Hope you enjoy it!

More Collaborative Art

For those of you who do not know I have started a series of collaborative paintings with my 5 year old nephew. This is #2 in the series. He does the drawing and I add the paint. I really like how this one came out-I am going to get to work on some more in this series-I believe there will be a 7 pieces all together. If you look closely you can see one of his little people in it. He also worked his name in there too-see if you can find it! I love children's art and I adore my nephew. When I told him my idea he loved it and went right to work on the drawings. I don't have titles for these yet-I think I will work with him on that after they are complete. Some more will be coming your way soon! Enjoy!

Another dose of BeatRed Designs

Here is another clothing design from BeatRed. This is available on t-shirts, bandanas, mousepads, and other items in the future. I wanted to do some designs that were typical tattoo designs with my own twist. I would love some feedback from you! Tell me what you think. Enjoy!

Alignment

Getting our lives to the point where everything is aligned properly, where everything is balanced just right seems impossible sometimes. We may be at a point in life when everything seems out of whack. I am sure most (if not all) of us have been there.
When we least expect it, everything starts changing and everything falls into place. It's as if each aspect of our lives is it's own planet-as one shifts into place another follows until all of our "little planets" are perfectly aligned in our "little universe." All is right with the world. Hope you enjoy this one!
*"Alignment" is currently on exhibit at Wired Gallery in Bethlehem, PA. Please stop by if you are in the area! If you are interested in purchasing this piece contact me at kkehs@hotmail.com.

Convergence

As I would usually give some background on the meaning behind the painting, I am going to do something a little different this time. I am always more interested in how others interpret my paintings. That is what I love about abstract art-it means something different to each person. So, I leave you to view "Convergence" and hope that you will send me your comments, feelings & interpretations. Enjoy!

Clarity

Another one of my latest in the Alzheimer's series. I used some earthy tones in this piece, like the browns and yellows but I think with the bold blue/greens the painting still has a vibrant quality. Perhaps it's the contrast between the muted colors and the bold colors that make the bold colors appear even more brilliant. I am always very careful in my color selection when I paint-each area of the piece has it's own personality but, at the same time, has to compliment or contrast the next. Sometimes I change a color 10 times before it is just right. For me, the title "Clarity" suits this painting not only in the meaning behind it but also in the feeling you get from it. What is the feeling you get from this piece?
"Clarity" is currently on exhibit at the Goggelworks in Reading, PA. If you are in the area, please check it out in person.

The Skull

Ok, here's another BeatRed Design-the skull. I have 2 versions of this design-one with a white skull and one with a gray skull (pictured here). They are very similar but the gray has a softer feel to it, whereas the white one is bolder and has more contrast next to the bright colors. I like both, but this one seems to be the favorite of the 2 so far. More to come from BeatRed. If you are interested in a tshirt or bandana with this design or one of my other designs email me at kkehs@hotmail.com, attn: BeatRed. Hope you like this one!

Red Dragon

Here is another dose of BeatRed Designs.  This is one of my favorites (and seems to be others favorites so far).  This is available on tshirts for guys and girls and bandanas.  I am most likely going to do a line of mousepads with the BeatRed Designs as well.  Other future products may include buttons, magnets, messenger bags, etc... By request I will also be doing doggie bandanas and infant/kids clothes.  I have this dragon available in red and gray.  The red dragon looks awesome on a red ringer t-shirt especially.  This was the first design for my clothing line and it went through many transformations before completion.  I would love your feedback.  If you would like to order one of these shirts or bandanas drop me an email.  kkehs@hotmail.com  attn: BeatRed Thanks!

The devious fairy

It's official....BeatRed Designs is in effect! Here is one of my designs for my clothing line. My little devious fairy will be on shirts and bandanas and more stuff in the future! On the back of the tshirts will be a set of wings that go across the shoulder blades. I will be adding an online store to my website very soon so stay tuned. Until then if you are diggin' the fairy and want one now, you can order directly through me. Just drop me an email! Hope you like her! kkehs@hotmail.com

Just A Shell

As soon as I started this piece it just flowed. I love when that happens! I started off with some earthy colors and wanted the painting to keep that same earthy feel, so I was very careful in choosing my palette. It reminds me of fall, even though I painted it just about a month ago. I introduced some blues into the piece but I mixed them with a fair amount of black so it wouldn't take away from the warmness. I think the dark areas help make the red, yellow, and orange tones pop. If you get a chance to see this piece in person (if you are in the Bethlehem area) check it out. Hope you enjoy it!

"Abduction"

Another one in the Alzheimer's Series-this is one of my favorites. It's a fairly large piece, 40" x 30". I try not to think too much about what I am painting, otherwise I feel it becomes more of a struggle to complete a piece. I let my subconscious guide me through the creation of the painting, focusing on texture, color, form, and balance. After I have completed the piece is when I usually sit and spend some time with it and allow the subconscious to meet the conscious. I have been compelled to place these round objects in my paintings lately. To me they represent beings, people, forces, entities, however you want to think of them. Some are refined and bold, some look weathered and aged. Some of the objects are affecting others or they may represent the same being, but at different stages. So, having said that, and knowing that this piece ("Abduction") is part of the Alzheimer's Series how would you interpret this painting?

I always find it interesting how others interpret my work-please give me your feedback. Enjoy!

"Incomplete"

Hello everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a few days-I have been busy trying to get the clothing line in order. This painting is one that was such a struggle to complete. I started it a few years ago and put it aside. Every time I would look at it I would kinda grunt and put it back. I just didn't know what to do with it. It's strange how some paintings just flow and some seem to never want to be finished. I often think how different this painting would have turned out if I would have completed it at another time in my life. I feel that sometimes these paintings are meant to wait for the right moment. This painting was originallly quite murky, which might say something about my state of mind when I started working on it. I have been in a much better place in life and I think that comes through in the bold colors. So, I guess in a way I am glad I waited until now to complete this piece. Enjoy! :)

Wired Gallery Bethlehem PA

I recently became a member of a co-op gallery in Bethlehem, PA. Every 2nd Saturday there is an opening from 7-10 pm. (including tonight- Sat, June 14th). There is no charge to get in and if you are not familiar with this place it's a must-see! There is a cafe on one side with lots of art on display and it is connected to a full art gallery on the other side. For anyone in the area please come support our co-op. Check out great art, meet the artists, and enjoy some wine and appetizers.

This painting "Emergence" is on display along with several other paintings, prints, and custom mousepads.

At the end of this month a vintage clothing store will be opening downstairs in the same building called "Under Wired." My great friend and fellow co-op member Lisa is the owner. My clothing line will be available for sale at this store. Hope to see some of you there! Remember, every second Saturday of every month!

"Selfless One"

She spent her life raising 7 children with her husband. They were both wonderful parents and always put their children first. Even as the kids became adults the parents did everything with their family in mind. As grandparents they were equally giving.



As years went by she lost many loved ones-her father, her mother (who she took care of until she passed), all of her siblings, then her husband. That changed her. Her and her husband were high school sweethearts and did everything together. A few years later she tragically lost her oldest child. She has since not been the same.



This woman had a lot of love in her life and a lot of loss. She worked full time until she was 75, taking care of children at a day care. Along with my own mother, she is one of the most giving people I know. This person is my grandmother.



This painting is one of many in a series (The Alzheimer's Series) that is dedicated to her. She was recently diagnosed with this disease. I dedicate this painting to her, who dedicated her life to her family.

Weeping Buddhas

"The world is profoundly sad, they say, and someone has to always be weeping for its sorrows, so that you can be joyful."

-quote on the weeping buddha

I have a beautiful hand-carved wooden sculpture of a weeping buddha. When I started my pen and ink series I decided to do a few with this image of the buddha. This one happens to be my favorite. He is surrounded by all the darkness, absorbing it form the world around him. Hope you like it!

"Ponder"

I have been wanting to work with pen and ink for a while. I did some pieces when I was in college, but haven't worked with it since. As soon as I started this piece I remembered why I enjoy using India ink so much. I simultaneously use "pens" (with the quills) and a Chinese brush to apply the ink. As I do this I also water the ink down in varying degrees depending on how dark I want the area I am painting. The more you water it down, the lighter it gets. I love the whole process-it is completely different than oil painting (which is my primary medium). It's nice to switch it up every now and then. I think there will more to come in the near future. Enjoy!

One of my new paintings

Unfortunately I am short on time but wanted to post something for the weekend. This is one of my latest and is currently on display (along with 16 other paintings) at The CSI Group in Paramus, NJ. This is part of the Alzheimer's series dedicated to my Grandmother who is currently suffering from the disease. Hope you enjoy!

The Creative Process...

Thought I would give you a glimpse into my creative process. There are so many stages and layers of paint in my paintings-some pieces more than others. This particular painting had many! You can see for yourself how different the two images are. The overall layout is similar, but once I gave the different areas of the painting more definition and color, the piece took on a completely different feeling. I am really happy with the way this one came out. What do you think? I would love to hear your feedback!

Clothing Line

For those of you who are not aware, I am starting a clothing line based on tattoo-inspired designs. I decided to do a separate line of clothing with images of my paintings on them. I thought that the new series of nudes I did would look great on a shirt. This attatched image "On The Prowl" happens to be my favorite of the 4 that I have so far. If anyone would like to see other images of my paintings on clothing I would appreciate the feedback. (and I would be more than happy to do custom orders) These products can be ordered via email at this time and I will ship the products directly to you. Thanks to everyone for your support.

"Cayuga"

Last fall I visited the Finger Lakes in NY and I went on a wine tour on Cayuga Lake. It was a great experience not only because of all the wine tasting (which was definitely a highlight), but also because of the beautiful fall scenery. When I returned from the trip I started this painting right away. Although I was physically home my mind was still at the Finger Lakes. The intense colors of the foliage and the beautiful view of the lake were stuck in my head. I could still taste that wine too, in fact some of the wines from Cayuga Lake were the best I've ever had. I feel that the whole experience was translating itself from my mind to the canvas. Still, when I look at this painting I am transported back to that trip to the Finger Lakes. I hope you enjoy this one!

"The Look"

Here is the first one in the latest series of nudes
I have been working on. I am really happy with this one-I love the contrast with the dark background and the figure-she seems to pop off the page. It kind of reminds me of a neon sign but with a sensual feel. To see others like this visit my website http://www.kellykehs.com/ . Which one is your favorite in this series? Wanna vote? Leave a comment and let me know which one you are drawn to. Hope you enjoy this one!

"Breaking Through"

There are paintings that flow easily and there are those that are a struggle from beginning to the end. I started this painting a couple years ago and put it aside. It just wasn't cooperating with me. So, I revisited it a few months ago and FINALLY I was able to complete it.

To me, this painting represents those times in life when we feel like we are in a rut. Something is not quite right and we know we have to change it. We have to break through that bubble that is confining us and keeping us from truly being happy. When I look at this painting I actually feel the liberation of bursting that bubble. Enjoy!

Wrongfully Acccused

As many of you may know, and for those who do not, I have been making my own line of mouse pads with images of my paintings on them. I have 14 standard designs and am also doing custom designs. There is one mousepad design that has BY FAR outsold the others, and that it "Wrongfully Accused." I wasn't really expecting this to be the most popular, but for whatever reason a number of people are attracted to this image. The interesting thing about this is most of the people who have chosen this mousepad are either lawyers or work in law offices. Even more interesting is they chose it before knowing the title! "Wrongfully Accused" is such an appropriate title for a lawyer or person working in law to be drawn to, but why did they make that connection with the image? I know what this painting means to me and why I titled it "Wrongfully Accused." What really interests me is what others are seeing in this image. What is your interpretation?

New Painting "Intervention"

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like you need to change something but you feel trapped? Instead of actively changing the scenario that may be causing you stress or anxiety you continue to take the abuse, thinking and hoping that something will happen to get you out. Then something happens totally unexpected that may seem like the end of the world at that moment, but turns out to be a blessing in disguise (like losing a job that you despised and that only caused you stress). Sometimes we need to be forced into or out of a situation because we, ourselves, will not take action. It's as if some force in the universe says, "ok- enough is enough, it's time for some intervention!"

Current Exhibits

Just wanted to update everyone on my current exhibits. You can find my work at the following:

Goggleworks-Reading, PA
This juried exhibition "The Natural World" will be on display in the Cohen Gallery until June 29th. There is a lot of great artwork in this exhibit- about 75 pieces were chosen from over 500 entries.

Goggleworks-Reading, PA
Wall space display-third floor. Check out my personal exhibition space upstairs. This is a sampling of some of my latest creations-all items are for sale. I also have my mousepads for sale in the giftshop on the first floor.

The CSI Group-Paramus, NJ
I have 17 paintings on display through June.

Howard Gallery-New Hope, PA
If you are in the area, this is a great gallery-a nice collection of artwork. I have a few pieces on display here.

Thanks everyone for your support!

collaborative art

So, recently I was thinking it would be an interesting idea to do some collaborative art with my 5 year old nephew. I have always loved children's art and I love my nephew's figures. I love to watch him draw. He doesn't think about it, doesn't analyze it, he just does it. That's why I love children's art-it's uninhibited. So, I told him my idea and he thought it was cool. So, I gave him the paper and he cranked out 8 or so drawings in a matter of 5 minutes. My contribution will be the paint. This is the first in the series. I thought, if I don't do this I will regret it. He won't be this innocent and uninhibited forever, I have to take advantage while I can. So, the Owen/Kel series has begun. I tried to leave his figures as he intended them and work around them. I would love to know what you think!

New Nude Series

I have been working on a new series of nudes on paper. These paintngs are based on live nude sketches that I did a few years back. Because the majority of my work is large canvases, I wanted to do a few series of small paintings. I really like how they are coming out-so far I have 4 completed and an working on more. Be sure to keep an eye out for these. They will also be posted on my website. Let me know what you think of them!

The Alzheimer's Series

My recent series of artwork is inspired by and dedicated to my Grandmother who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This has greatly affected myself and my entire family and has completely consumed me consciously and subconsciously.

As I have been painting over the last several months I started to realize how these all-consuming thoughts of her were translating themselves from my psyche into my artwork. So, I decided to create an entire body of work not only for me personally, but for anyone who has ever experienced a loved one slowly deteriorating from this disease. It is truly heartbreaking and difficult to endure.

I feel that although the emotions behind this body of work are sad and disheartening, it is probably my strongest work yet. Those that have seen my work progress over the years seem to agree. As is usually the case, out of something negative comes something positive. Some of these images are on this page. Can you pick out which ones?