Allie Kell

Allie Kell is a talented Saskatoon artist painting abstract acrylic art. Scroll down to learn more about Allie Kell including what inspired her to start painting and what her process is when she’s painting.

What inspired you to start your business?

I first picked up a paint brush and started painting as a way of healing at first. It was also something I’ve always wanted to try, as if I knew deep down that it is something I needed to do but was always afraid to try. I have always been creative and have had various outlets but I never really allowed myself to really dive into painting. Maybe it was the fear of failure or maybe the fear of success.

I am a very visual person and have always felt inspired by beauty, colour and nature and so painting became a way for me to bridge all my interests and also allowed me to express emotion and develop a relationship with my paintings and my process. It has given me a lot of confidence, identity and solace. It’s been a very personal journey for me and has opened a lot of doors and has taught me that there’s a lot on the other side of fear.

How would you describe your brand?

My process is all about letting go. I primarily work with acrylic paint and I love painting large scale. I love allowing my subconscious to come through and getting my whole body into it. Because I paint mostly abstract I really let the paint lead the way. There’s a point where I become the observer and I get to sit back and watch this painting become what it wants to be. Music also plays a big part in my process. I try and incorporate it into the painting and allow the vibe of each song to influence my brushstrokes, marks, rhythm, colour and speed as if it’s all one big dance. I also include many emotions into my paintings whether it be from music or my mood from one moment to the next. One day to the next.

I really like it to be a freeing and cathartic experience and I hope it translates through in my work. I love to finish my paintings with oil stick and add extra layers, colours and texture and that’s when I really feel the painting coming together.

What’s your bestselling piece?

I think people really like my latest collection of large scale paintings. Example would be my 48×60 inch paintings. “All In Good Time”.

Why do you think your large scale paintings are so popular?

I think my latest collection has really hit home for a lot of people. I am honing my style and taking more risks and I think they’re making a bigger splash because of it. I think people can see that I have worked hard and am finding my voice through these paintings and I think it comes through in my pieces. I think once I discovered oil stick, my paintings have shifted and I have gone through a breakthrough. They are more elevated and I think I am beginning to get to know myself more as an artist. But to be more specific my 48×60 paintings such as “All In Good Time” are abstract nature scenes, abstract landscapes or florals and so there is a lot of detail but still leaves something to the imagination.

I never want to tell the viewer what they should see or what something is. I always want things to be left to the viewer. Leave a bit of mystery. Allow them to make up their own stories and perspectives.

What’s your personal favourite painting right now?

I actually have many favourites but if I had to choose one at the moment I think I would say “A Stroll Through The Garden” 48×60. I just love the details of it. I love the colour and the pop of pinks and reds through the greens. It’s a bit unexpected and I know what I went through with that paintings so I can appreciate it that much more. I love to stare at it. It’s in my room at the moment.

What’s your favourite local shop?

Again I have lots but other than my Husbands store (Broadway Shoe Repair), I would say Hazelwood. It’s a local vintage clothing store my friend owns and she does a wonderful job curating it. Great products and she’s got such a great eye.