Artist Spotlights: Kelly Reider and Crystal Erie
These two artists have many similarities. Both are painters who work in acrylic on canvas; both make representations of natural settings. Kelly's seascapes and acquatic paintings are full of pending action. While Crystal’s pieces, though still dramatic, often come across as more serene.
The AmeriCorps artists-in-residence assist each artist with their development. Members Laura Williams, Jonna Jackson and Dani Bailey guide these two artists with valuable tips and observations, helping the artists improve their skills and keep on track to meet their goals.
Kelly has been painting much longer than Crystal. So it makes sense that she drew inspiration for her piece, The Boat, from Kelly’s wide array of seascapes and ship scenes displayed around his easel. Since they sit side by side in the studio, his influence has rubbed off.
Kelly’s Inspirations
Kelly Reider paints exactly what he sees. He claims to be a very good copier. His favorite painting is whichever one he is working on at the moment, now-a-days it’s his renditions of the Mona Lisa. To study his subjects, he looks through books and magazines he finds in Imagine Art’s library.
The inspiration for this current artistic challenge is the master himself, Leonardo Davinci. He also considers Paul Klee, the famous cubist, surrealist and abstract expressionist, to be a great influence. You have only to look at Kelly’s paint splattered apron to realize his dedication. It's an abstract painting in itself.
AmeriCorps artist-in-residence Laura Williams helps Kelly price his works. (photo by Madison Bennett)
A self-described army brat, Kelly spent time in Florida. When he was about 15 years old, he got lost at sea while fishing in the Caribbean. To hear him tell it, his Johnson motor had run out of gas leaving him adrift. Luckily, he spotted another boat, flagged it down, acquired some gas, got his bearings straight then found his way back home. It is a good bet that this experience inspires Kelly’s nautical paintings and drawings.
All Things Nature
Before coming to Imagine Art, Crystal Erie was attending art classes at the ARC (an organization like IA). There, she had the opportunity to exhibit her drawings and paintings. Since arriving at Imagine Art around 2019, Crystal has brought her fascination of the ocean, sunsets, forests, and birds to another level. She is also a jewelry artist.
Crystal holding Hawaiian Flowers, Ode To Mr. Ross Moon and Water Lily
Her paintings have become more evocative and full of intent. She is developing her own recognizable style. Crystal continues to show her acrylics on canvas as well as her drawings at Imagine Art’s studio. The Boat can be viewed at Halcyon Coffee Bar in the Mueller development through December.
Crystal painting, Beach, The Boat, Blue and Green Galaxy
One of her interests outside of art is watching horror flics. Some of her favorites are Bloody Mary, Scary Movie1, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The one thing thing that bothers her most about horror movies is how they are rated. Most are given an R rating, but she thinks they should be made PG, except for the non-fiction Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Success Ahead
Though they remain distinct, both Kelly and Crystal have much in common. They appreciate the camaraderie at the IA studio where they have made many friends, shown great progress in their art and see much opportunity for success ahead.
(photos by Madison Bennett, except The Boat photo by David Carrales)
