Kelly Rae Roberts recently commented on a decor8 post and after reading it, I clicked on her name and linked over to her website (I love links!). It was there that I discovered her colorful, whimsical artwork and all the things this lady has been up to over the years. So watch out when you comment with a link - I'll find you! :)

Kelly at a show with her lovely ladies.

Kelly grew up in Florida, studied social work in college, and relocated to the west coast with her husband where she found the confidence to pursue her inner artist through running (I love that because my aunt was a runner and felt exactly the same way). Running gave her the wings that she needed to become an artist, something she had wanted to be her entire life but, like so many creative types that did not study art in school, they're often told it's not "practical" to become an artist without formal training. (But this hasn't stopped them from their dreams, these talented artists have created somewhat of a movement called "Outsider Art". Their numbers keep growing as it is gaining popularity all time.)

With a background in social work, it's clear that Kelly loves people and has a sincere desire to "lift" others, which she is now able to do through her spirited paintings. Learn more about Kelly in her bio. If you are interested in purchasing an original painting, you can contact her via her website, or if you'd like a high quality print, visit her Etsy store.

Kelly at work in her Oakland, CA studio.

Psst: Did you know that Miss Kelly worked on a children's book, Alter This!: Radical Ideas for Transforming Books Into Art, with Alena Hennessy?

(images from kelly rae roberts)