Meet Kelly Peters | Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Peters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wish I could provide a more informed response to this question! The desire to be my own boss and establish my own business burned within me. However, after art school, I felt ill-prepared, lacking the necessary knowledge on the operational aspects of running a business. I worked part-time gigs while diligently honing my art practice and making sales. Eventually, I reached a point where I could quit my other jobs and focus solely on my art, but that took a few years of juggling multiple commitments. With this newfound focus, I delved into my business, learning to navigate its ebbs and flows more effectively. Nevertheless, it remains a significant challenge, as it does for any business owner.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A little more about my art… I typically do a significant portion of my painting outside, practicing ‘plein air’ which essentially means painting in nature and observing the scenery. Working this way takes me out of my studio comfort zone and adds a unique dimension to the works due to the ever-changing outdoor landscape. It took me a few years to truly develop this practice and establish my identity as an artist. Declaring yourself an artist to the world is no easy feat; it has never been.

For most artists, we paint or create because we feel an innate desire to do so. Given the evolution of the art world alongside technology, most artists must present themselves online to gain traction and manage a business. Besides creating art full-time, we have to market, ship, build a brand, and handle all the responsibilities that business owners do. It’s definitely challenging and relies on your determination.

I’d like the world to know that achieving your dreams is possible. It might sound cliché, and your path may not align precisely with the initial dream you had in mind, but every day brings us a little closer. This philosophy has been my guiding principle during slow seasons, times when my creativity feels depleted, or I’m feeling down on myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Snowmass, Colorado and work in downtown Aspen. I’m fortunate to have numerous amazing spots to visit. During the winter, I enjoy skiing and then heading to some of my favorite bars on the mountain, like Ranger Station or Gwyns at the top, which offer a locals’ feel. There are also plenty of excellent dinner spots in Aspen. It’s a true wine and foodie destination with top chefs and sommeliers. The experience really depends on the vibe you’re looking for.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to my closest girl friends, my ride or dies. Starting a business, especially in the art field, invites a lot of skepticism and questioning. During that challenging time, these amazing individuals were my pillars of support, encouraging me and steadfastly believing in me. My mother, too, was a constant source of encouragement, always there to support and motivate me to persist even when I felt like giving everything up. Their unwavering belief in me has meant the world and kept me pushing forward.

Website: www.kellypetersart.com

Instagram: @kellypetersart

Image Credits
Helena Hermosilla