Chris Kelly (b. 1987) is a Texas-based artist whose work is held in international collections. With formative ties to Colorado, Michigan, and Illinois, he began his artistic training early through residency studies at Anderson Ranch Arts Center—an experience he considers foundational. He initially studied jazz and architecture at Bennington College before returning to painting following the 2008 financial crisis.

During this period, Kelly supported himself as a musician, house painter, and sommelier, later founding a wine label design business that incorporated his paintings into commercial work. He has since committed fully to his studio practice, independently exhibiting and selling his work.

A former competitive skier in Western Colorado, Kelly draws on the discipline and physicality of that experience in his approach to process and material. He works primarily in natural light, often painting outdoors to maintain an intuitive, responsive engagement with his materials. He lives and works in San Antonio, where he raises his daughter, Aya.

Email directly: chris@crkart.com

See Work In Person:

Studio (by appointment) San Antonio, TX

Sotheby’s Intl., Washington, D.C. 2024 • select works - present

Verdant Gallery, Austin, TX

Austin City Hall Austin, TX • main floor - (through May 2026)

Studio Steinbomer Austin, TX • solo show

Bufalina Austin, TX • solo work

Ezov Austin, TX - entry painting and bar

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Previous Shows of Note

Vinology, Houston, TX • solo show, 2022

The Banton, Austin TX • group show, 2022

Chinati Weekend, Marfa, TX • solo paintings, Alta Marfa, 2023

Cohart Sigma Tauri Show • Solo paintings, Canopy, Austin, TX - 2024

Austin Studio Tour, Red Line Studios • Nov, 2024

Austin Studio Tour, home studio • Nov, 2025

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Press

Austin Lifestyle Magazine • June, 2024 pg. 40-41

Fox7 Austin - Tierra’s Texas • Ep. 11 @ 10:08