Chris Kelly b. 1987 is a painter based in Austin, Texas, with deep roots in Colorado and Michigan. His artistic journey began with scholarships to Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado—an experience he describes as his most formative years.

Initially pursuing a career in music, Kelly shifted his focus back to painting during the 2008 financial crisis, after leaving Bennington College. During this transitional period, he supported himself as a house painter and sommelier while quietly refining his artistic voice.

Now working as a full-time artist, Kelly is known for his precise, detail-oriented painting influenced by midcentury icons, natural light, and his experience in multiple fields. He lives and works in East Austin with his family.

His work has been exhibited at Anderson Ranch, Bennington College, and Sotheby’s International, and is held in collections in New York City, Miami, and Chicago, along with private homes across the United States.

Notable Shows

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

• Austin Studio Tour, home studio • Nov, 2025

• Studio Steinbomer Austin, TX • solo show 2024 - present

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

• Austin Studio Tour, Red Line Studios • Nov, 2024

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

• Bufalina Austin, TX • rotation of solo works - present

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

• The Banton, Austin TX • group show, 2022

• Vinology, Houston, TX • solo show, 2022

Press

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

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

Commissions, inquiries

email: chris@crkart.com

instagram: @_crk.art