Kelly Priest is a Southern artist whose work explores the intersection of realism and abstraction through both oil and encaustic painting. Deeply inspired by the ancient technique of encaustic—a medium made from beeswax, tree resin, pigment, and fire—her abstract pieces are rich in texture, color, and emotional depth. In contrast, her oil paintings often lean toward realistic subjects, allowing her to engage more intimately with form, light, and narrative.

Whether she’s building translucent layers with molten wax or capturing the subtle details of a realistic scene in oil, Kelly
approaches her art with a curious, intuitive spirit. Her work invites viewers to slow down and explore the emotional and material layers embedded in each piece.

Rooted in the traditions of the American South and informed by a deep respect for both craft and experimentation, Kelly continues to push the boundaries of her materials while staying grounded in the expressive power of painting.