We can hardly believe we're going on five years at the gallery with the wonderfully talented, incredibly nice and easy-to-work with Justin Kellner. Time just flies when you're working with an artist as professional and accomplished as Justin is.
Do you spot the birdie in this one? Hint: just to the left and below the center of the painting. This one is Approaching Spring - Palm Warbler.
Caught Up Before the Dunes - Bay Breasted Warbler
Justin didn't just wake up one day and start painting these very complex and layered pieces. He originally wanted to be a cartoonist but during undergrad days at Central Michigan University, he dipped his toes into lots of artistic endeavors, from printmaking to graphic design and graduated with a double major in sculpture and painting. And then he went on to get a Masters of Fine Arts degree at Kendall College of Art and Design.
An Understanding in the Ways - Black-throated Green Warbler
Like many professional artists, it was slow going in the beginning with booths at music and arts festivals. Since Justin is a big music fan and loves music festivals, he figured if he sold a couple paintings, at least he'd pay for the festival tickets. As luck would have it, his paintings were spotted by a couple galleries and the rest is history. "Funnily enough, I haven't done an art booth in almost 10 years but I always tell other artists: it's one of the best things you can do to promote your art, meet people and clients and learn about the business side of art," he said a while ago to us - and we think that's great advice!
Justin uses acrylic paint, as well as materials like sawdust and pine needles, to create interesting textures. Acrylic is known for its versatility - it has a quick drying time so layers of texture and thin washes can be built up quickly. And by watering it down, it acts like watercolor but when thickened, it creates heavy impasto areas on the canvas.
This one is In Strange Places - Red-breasted Nuthatch
"Most people see birds as a symbol to represent the cycles found in nature and life through the idea of migratory patterns," he says. "It's a cliche but the saying "a canary in the coal mine" is still true. Birds are a perfect indicator species for how healthy an ecosystem is. The use of birds in my paintings has roots in lifecycles, habitat loss, environment and pollution but now, I hope want birds to spark a curiosity in birding, nature and the outdoors."
Unexpected Surprises -- Hooded Warbler
Most bird species Justin paints are either endangered, threatened, or drastically declining. He hopes that creating an interest in birding will connect someone with nature who will then search out new parks and conservancies and discover how important these natural areas are.
Justin practices what he preaches. He loves to go birding and camping. Spring migration is his favorite time of year when multitudes of neotropical migrant birds briefly pass through as they head north to their various breeding grounds. He's a true outdoorsman who was raised fishing, hunting, camping and swimming - and always surrounded by water.
This triptych was snapped up by designer, Steve McKenzie, for a gorgeous dining room in Atlanta.
Justin Kellner in his element.
