Why am I giving away free prints?
First, let me tell you why I create art. Painting makes me happy. For me, art is an escape and place where I can relax and get lost in the places I paint. When I'm stressed, I can pick up my paintbrush and transport myself somewhere else. I love trying to capture the beauty of the places I travel and the things I see. In particular, I find that being out in nature brings me to a place of total peace and it always inspires me to paint. And now that I'm able to travel again, I want to share my love for the places I've been lucky enough to visit. I also realized that life is short and changes quickly, so there's no time like the present to pursue my dream of being an artist and sharing my art.
But why give the prints away for free?
Let's be real, being an artist can be hard. The painting part is easy (sometimes), but getting your name out in the world and your art into the hands of other people is a struggle. Also, I'm on a mission to change the definition of what it means to be a successful artist. Traditionally, being a successful artist has meant that you show your art in galleries and your art commands a high price tag. When you think about it, this flies in the face of being a creative because the value of your art is measured by money. Who decided that? Why is the value of art or an artist based on how much someone is willing to pay for that art? Shouldn't art be accessible to everyone? Don't get me wrong, I think artists should be paid for the hard work and long hours they put into their work, but I don't believe art should be out of reach for the average person.
I also don't believe in the philosophy that art always has to have deep meaning or be abstract. I recently read a comment from an artist who said they don't paint art to hang over someone's couch and they have no interest in selling mass prints of their work (in essence, devaluing their art). I'm here to say I couldn't disagree more. Sometimes, you just want to paint a pretty picture or a beautiful place and all the better if it looks amazing above your couch! Again, who is to dictate the reason an artist paints and to value one reason over another? Paint because you're deeply moved, to express emotions, because you see joy in a person's face, a sunset, a flower or your favorite pet, because you love colors or just to have fun. Me? I paint to bring color, joy, nature, peace, calm, happiness and adventure alive on a canvas. So, you do you! To me, it's all art and one is not more worthy than the next ... especially not based on cost.
Help me flip the art world on its head!
That's where you come in! Giving away these prints does two things. One, it helps me get my name and artwork out in the world and in doing so, spread the joy that I feel from my art with as many people as possible. And two, you get a piece of art that I loved creating and in return, you can help support me and my dream of being an artist and spread the message that art should be accessible to everyone. I see this as a win/win!!
If my message resonates with you, and you want to support my journey as an artist, here's how you claim your free print.
On this page, you'll see my current featured colletions and from those, you'll be able to pick your favorite to to receive a FREE 5X7 print. I can only offer one FREE art print per person per collection. You'll also have the choice to upgrade to a larger size (or to purchase the full collection).
I want to be upfront and let you know that although the 5X7 print is free, I am charging my standard $5 shipping & handling fee to make sure it arrives to you in good condition and in a timely manner.
I'm also giving you a 100% satisfaction guarantee for your free print...
I'm so sure that you'll love your free print that I'm offering a full refund of your shipping & handling if you aren't satisfied for any reason (and you can keep the free print anyway or gift it to a loved one).
All you’d have to do is contact me directly using the details on your receipt and I’ll give you back every penny. Thankfully, that's never happened yet!
My true hope is that you’ll love what you receive, and this will be the beginning of a great relationship for years to come.
Thank you, and enjoy your print!
Shelley
HAPPY CUSTOMERS!
PRINT FROM THE ITALY COLLECTION: THE COLUSSEUM
Beautiful work and imaginative use of colors. I love Shelley's interpretation of the Coliseum which triggers fond memories of my own trip to Rome.
~ David Dimiss, Medford MA
5 PRINT BUNDLE, ITALY COLLECTION
We needed to hang something above our bed and I didn't just want to buy a generic painting from Marshall's. I came upon Shelley's page, Shelley Kay Art, and loved her painting of the Colosseum in Rome. I saw she had a great deal on 5 of her Italian paintings, and since I've been there twice, I couldn't pass it up. 3 of the prints are hanging above the bed and look great. I'm so happy to support an artist friend.
~ Jonathan Kolar, Chicago IL
PAINTING FROM THE ITALY COLLECTION: THE COLUSSEUM
Everything about this painting is just magical. With the colors, to the shading, the painting is pleasing to look at. Fits perfectly in my room!
~ Steve Rice, Leed, SD
PAINTING: BOATS AT HARBOUR
Shelley's art is truly beautiful. Her use of color and technique come alive on the canvas! Her interpretation of the scene is akin to the Impressionists of the nineteenth and twentieth century, yet she has found a way to make the technique all her own. We adore her work and will certainly keep our eye out for more from this wonderful, talented artist!
~ Hank Lankford, Lone Wolf, OK
PAINTING: PUFFINS ON THE CLIFFS OF SCOTLAND
When I look at The Puffins in Scotland It stirs my senses, looking at the painting I’m drawn to sun dancing on the water. I smell the sea and feel the cool ocean breeze. I see the cliffs and I can feel the soft earth beneath my feet. I look at the Puffins and I feel curiosity and Joy. I’m transported.
~ Alan Sutherland, Santa Fe, NM
PAINTING: SAILING SERENE
It's a simple sailboat on a calm orange, peach, and salmon colored sea. But it stood out to me. What stands out to me with Shelley's work is her use of bold color. In simple land-, town-, or sea-scapes, there is often a small detail like a sailboat, a rowboat, or some other sign of peaceful life that tells me things are OK. Her pet portraits are beautiful captures of the fur baby's personality. I'm glad her art is in my home, and I look forward to adding to the collection.
~ Lee Walker, Houston, TX
PAINTING: WOMAN PLAYING THE GUITAR IN THE FOREST
Painting: Woman Playing Guitar in the Forest - Everything about this painting is just magical. With the colors, to the shading, the painting is pleasing to look at. Fits perfectly in my room!
~ Maddie Carney, Falls Church, VA
PRINT FROM ITALY COLLECTION: GELATO SHOP, SMALL TOWN ITALY
So happy with the beautiful art prints I received.
~ Candace S. Grand Rapids, MI
VIEW THE SOLACE IN NATURE COLLECTIONVIEW THE ITALY COLLECTION
About Shelley
Shelley's been artistic and creative for as long as she can remember, whether it was making her own hand-painted t-shirts, painting murals on her walls growing up, decorating toy boxes, making decorative art for her family, or decorating cakes and cupcakes for friends.
For the last 25 years, her creative side has helped her build a successful business as a web designer and graphic designer (Web Crafters), giving her the freedom to pursue her passions, which include travel and painting. Shelley and her partner traveled full time before the pandemic, which allowed them to see more of the world and explore new places. And although Shelley has settled back into her hometown of Houston, TX, she continues to travel as much as possible.
You'll see her love of travel and nature (as well as animals) reflected in her paintings. Her happy place is getting lost in her creative brain for hours on end and she hopes that joy shines through in her paintings!
