Story by Maggie Jackson Photography by Don Denton

Art has always been a part of Dianne Kelly鈥檚 life. 鈥淎rt is something I do and have always done. I come from a creative family. The round oak table in our dining room was often filled with chaos as my siblings and I glued, painted and sparkled away.鈥�

Even as a teacher, art was at the forefront. 鈥淚 had a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher. I would tell my class they might have to miss a subject once in a while, but they will never miss an art lesson! I have changed, evolved, had varied life experiences and gone through different phases in my life. I have created art through it all.鈥�

Dianne loves the process of creation. 鈥淢y favourite things about creating art is the exploring, the problem-solving and the watching of the work unfold and reveal itself. It鈥檚 almost like opening a gift. As the British author, Neil Gaiman said, 鈥楾he world always seems brighter when you鈥檝e just made something that wasn鈥檛 there before.鈥欌��

Dianne has been drawn to many artists at different times in her life. Georgia O鈥橩eefe influenced her large florals, Chagall her 2018 whimsical series; however, she has been most inspired by Picasso. 鈥淗e has so many diverse styles, it鈥檚 like seeing many different artists in one. He is fearless and bold. If he were to walk into my studio today, I would say, 鈥楾hank you. You have encouraged me to become a better artist, to explore, to take chances.鈥欌��

Today, Dianne鈥檚 paintings are bright, rich and abstract. It wasn鈥檛 that long ago that she painted with a more subdued colour palette. 鈥淎s I change and grow, my style changes. My art is expressed in the voice that speaks to me at that time. I like some of my pieces more than others, but I don鈥檛 have a favourite. Sometimes it鈥檚 the subject I like or the contrasting colours playing against each other that I find appealing.鈥�

Dianne creates in more than one medium. 鈥淚 love challenges and trying new things. I have experimented with watercolour, sculpture, collage, papier m芒ch茅 and paverpol. I also enjoy writing, and have written and illustrated a children鈥檚 book, which is in the Public Library鈥檚 Emerging Authors鈥� collection.鈥�

Dianne鈥檚 philosophy and the advice she would like to share with up-and-coming artists is: 鈥淒o not compare yourself to others or judge yourself too harshly. Take the 鈥渕e鈥� out of the piece and let the creation begin. Be brave.鈥�

You can see Dianne Kelly鈥檚 art at and at the Coast Collective on Wale Road. While you鈥檙e there, say hello to their new Executive Director, Jillan Valpy.