Press release:

Stop by the Burien Community Center to see the drawings and paintings of West Seattle artist Kelly Lyles. Lyles is famous for her fabulous art cars “Leopard Bernstein” and her new car “Accessories Odd-ysesy”. She has even been on HGTV’s “What’s with that House.”

Lyles says about her work:

“This series is rendered from life, with models posing as famous historical and mythological figures at sessions in Georgetown that we called SAINTS & SINNERS (at the 'Church of the Perpetual Muse' on Sundays, naturally).

“In some cases I've researched characters to complement or "flesh out" the costumes, and incorporated props to reinforce the theme. I work in a variety of media (oils, acrylics, watercolours, and also drawing - primarily with charcoal or contes).

“My styles range from the hyper-realism of trompe l'oeil, to more humorous visual puns with animals and fake-fur (Mice-A-Roni, Benson & Hedgehogs, Spamster, etc), to plein-aire looser landscapes painted on location.

“But I particularly love people and am exceedingly social; therefore specialize in portraiture and figures. I've always been fascinated with human psychology and consider myself somewhat of a 'mimic', even wanting to act professionally at one point. Hopefully that same sense of identification is projected to the subject's rendering. Occasionally to interject a little irony and dimensionality, I glue miscellaneous objects to the frame, corresponding with the model's interests or personality. Even when painting landscapes, I can't resist adding the house in the distance, rafters in the stream, or even litter on the beach to indicate mankind's presence in the environment. Humans are endlessly fascinating and wonderful to draw in all ages, shapes and sizes. I hope this sense of wonder shows in my work.”

www.kellyspot.com

The Burien Community Center is open Monday-Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm, Friday 8:30am-5pm. Kelly’s work will be on display until May 31st. Questions? 206-988-3700.