About Artist Kellie Snider
Kellie Snider is a contemporary artist whose vibrant works marry the realms of abstract realism and expressionism, primarily through the medium of oils and occasionally mixed media. Her palette frequently features bright and complementary colors such as magenta, cyan, cad yellow, and white, blending into rich jewel tones that infuse her pieces with dynamic energy and immediacy. This sense of movement is a quintessential element of her style.
Throughout her artistic journey, Kellie has undertaken various projects that define her evolving interests. Notably, in 2019 and 2020, she captured the vivacity of live jazz bands through her art. In 2023, she challenged herself to complete 100 small portraits within six months, a testament to her dedication and prolific nature. Her work in 2024 shifted toward political themes, introducing elements of controversy and conflict. Looking ahead to 2025, Kellie aims to explore landscapes, cityscapes, and interiors, portraying these settings as character-rich personas. Commissioned work, primarily portraiture and pet portraits, forms a significant aspect of her oeuvre.
In selecting her subject matter, Kellie is drawn to “slice of life” scenes and references that either reveal a deep connection or a palpable conflict. Her scenes of choice evoke emotion and narrative, often characterized by dramatic lighting and stark contrasts. Her subjects, be it ordinary people making an extraordinary impact or animals expressing their environmental awareness, tell stories that resonate with the viewer.
Kellie’s technique, although rooted in traditional methods, is evolving into a more expressionistic style. She incorporates drawing and sketching techniques into her paintings, experimenting with shape outlines inspired by artists like Alice Neel, Vincent Van Gogh, and contemporary artist Agnes Grochulska. This experimentation pushes the boundaries of her unique artistic voice.
Ultimately, Kellie Snider’s artwork is an invitation to experience a world where color, movement, and emotion intertwine to capture the immediacy of life and the stories inherent in the world around us.
I create unique authentic art that celebrates individuality and originality, leaning into the expressionistic style for portraiture, animals, and landscapes. I aim to go beyond acute realism to reveal authentic character.
Kellie
Continued:
My expressionistic style blends the traditional with the modern, the literal with the symbolic. This allows me to capture not just the physical likeness of a person, animal, or place, but also the emotions, memories, and stories that make them who they are. Working with a variety of mediums—from oil and acrylic to mixed media—I push the boundaries of conventional portraiture to create art that is as unique as the individuals I paint. Each portrait is a celebration of human beauty, resilience, and potential, designed to inspire and connect in a meaningful way.
One of the greatest joys in my work as a contemporary American artist is when I get to showcase a person’s sense of humor or their playful side. These moments add a layer of depth and personality to the portrait, turning it into more than just a representation—it becomes a narrative, a snapshot of the person’s spirit that goes beyond what can be seen with the naked eye. When I can capture someone’s laughter, their quirks, or the little things that make them special, it brings me immense satisfaction. These portraits often resonate the most with my clients, as they encapsulate not just a likeness, but a cherished memory or feeling.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on some incredible projects, but one that stands out is the 100 Faces Portrait Project. This project was a personal challenge I set for myself, running from February to July 2023. The goal was to capture a broad spectrum of humanity—different ages, races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities—through 100 individual portraits. It was a journey that not only pushed my skills as contemporary American artist, but also deepened my understanding of the diverse and beautiful world we live in. Each face I painted told a unique story, and together, they created a tapestry of human experience that I’m incredibly proud of. You can view the entire collection here.
Beyond my recent projects, my journey as contemporary American artist has been shaped by a lifetime of both independent study and formal education. My learning style has always been rooted in experimentation—playing with new techniques, materials, and ideas to discover fresh approaches to creating art. This playful exploration has led me to develop a unique style that blends abstract and realistic elements, allowing me to create work that is both visually striking and deeply personal.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of seeing my work displayed in prestigious venues across the United States and beyond. My art has hung in the New Orleans World Trade Center, the Irving Art Center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (where it was showcased alongside 11th-century masters), and the Kingfly Spirits Distillery Bar in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, among other notable spaces. Additionally, my work is part of private collections in the US, Canada, the UK, and France. Each piece that finds a home in a new collection is a testament to the connection I strive to create through my art.
What truly makes this journey special is the feedback and stories from collectors who have brought my work into their lives. For example, Jen Shryock, founder of Family Paws, shared her experience with a memorial pet portrait I created for her beloved dog, Oliver. She said, “I absolutely love the portrait Kellie did of our dog, Oliver. It’s so realistic and captured his beautiful brown eyes perfectly. It hangs in our living room and gets compliments regularly.” Capturing the essence of a cherished pet and creating a lasting memory for the owner is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
Another long-time collector, Rebecca Lynch, of Thieving Otter Farm, has a special connection to my work, particularly with the animal and people portraits I’ve created for her over the years. She said, “I’ve been a collector of Kellie’s art over many years, including some of my chickens, a turkey, and my emus! She also painted a family of foxes that grew up on our land one year. Each piece is unique, and they make wonderful gifts for my family and friends.” Rebecca’s stories highlight the joy of creating art that not only resonates with the collector but also becomes a cherished gift for others.
Lastly, Lori S., who is my very “First Friend,” shared her experience with a portrait I did of her granddaughter.
“Kellie and I are First Friends. I have watched her artwork over many years and have several of her pieces in my possession. I commissioned a portrait of our granddaughter, Hannah, and Kellie more than delivered. The Ballerina is spectacular. Everyone who sees the portrait comments on just how special it is. I look forward to more commissions to come. Sending love to my First Friend forever.” Lori’s words remind me of the deep connections that can be forged through art, not just between the artist and the subject, but also between the artist and the collector.
Love,
Aunt Kellie
Contemporary American Artist
P.S. A big project of mine was the 100 Faces Portrait Project completed in 2023.
What my collectors say
Memorial Pet Portrait
I absolutely love the portrait Kellie did of our dog, Oliver. It’s so realistic and captured his beautiful brown eyes perfectly. It hangs in our living room and gets compliments regularly.
Jen S
Animal and People Portraits
I’ve been a collector of Kellie’s art over many years, including some of my chickens, a turkey, and my emus! She also painted a family of foxes that grew up on our land one year. Each piece is unique, and they make wonderful gifts for my family and friends.
Rebecca L
First Friend
Kellie and I are First Friends. I have watched her artwork over many years and have several of her pieces in my possession. I commissioned a portrait of our granddaughter and Kellie more than delivered. The Ballerina is spectacular. Everyone who sees the portrait comments on just how special it is. I look forward to more commissions to come. Sending love to my First Friend forever.
Lori S
Kellies Socials
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