Kelly Leibold's Portfolio

Contact: [email protected] ...Artist statement? Artist statement: Ever since the days when my elementary school-aged self drew dozens of rudimentary doggos on any surface she could find (something my first-grade teacher loves to recall), I’ve kept myself mentally and creatively active. As an adult I had the opportunity to volunteer alongside this teacher and mentor of mine, a humbling and inspiring experience that continues to shape my worldview. In my work—drawings, paintings, collage, and fiber art—I depict the world around me in a sketched and at times abstract style, favoring nature scenes, animals, downtowns, and niche obsessions. Furbies? Furbies. I love the feeling of progress as an artwork takes shape; I rarely have the finished product complete in my head when I begin a project. My values include a healthy dose of optimism, enthusiasm, compassion, civic engagement, mindfulness, and more: themes I hope emerge through my work and provoke introspection from the viewer. ...more at www.etsy.com/shop/KellyLsInspirations

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Acrylic and pen on wood, plus copies of my Soapbox spiel... I'll be at the local Farmers Market at least a couple more times this season!

[kellyleibold]

La Crosse County is hosting an art contest for their 175th Anniversary, and I'm trying to decide if I should add anything else to this...

Update! I couldn't help myself and now we have collage letters.

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"Love thy neighbor" is a great reminder, especially with Easter (and spring elections in Wisconsin) coming up. I can't wait to see where my next art project takes me! 💚✍️

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This summer I will debut a "soapbox" writing, not too detailed to call an autobiography nor not too sparse to call a zine. Later this week I get to present some of this "wisdom" during an Empowering Women Summit, too! More to come, stay tuned...

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A fun interpretation of Michigan's upper peninsula as a kraken! Still a work in progress, I might add more gradients and shadows before vectorizing, this being either a potential sticker design or enamel pin.

[kellyleibold]

A work project!

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Five years later with help from a friend 🎟 I'll finally be seeing one of my favorite bands. Hopefully this shirt will survive after a few washes!

[kellyleibold]

The following are three things I learned from painting this week that feel somewhat relevant given the... throws hands up in the air. Current state of affairs? Take care of yourself, friends. Compassion and community will get us through. When you have the ability to, stand squarely atop your soapbox.

1️⃣ If you're feeling stuck, starting something new can feel incredibly intimidating. Consider revisiting something from months or years prior that for some reason you never finished. (Sorry there are no "before" pictures.) Maybe now you'll have a fresh perspective.

2️⃣ Stop zooming out to see the full picture. Focus on where your paintbrush is at the moment it touches the artwork and make that detail matter.

3️⃣ Don't be afraid to share and celebrate a work in progress. Once the carousel is complete, pick up another canvas and create the next imperfect masterpiece.

[kellyleibold]

A repost from last fall: remember that time I found a TWO dollar toilet in the Habitat ReStore but my lovely fiancé wouldn't let me take it home? Let this painting illustrate my vision for yard decor...

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Some collage art, a fresh printing of zines, and lovely fabric scraps I've been admiring this month... I am looking forward to vending at the local Farmers Market sporadically throughout the summer!

[kellyleibold]

It's been far too long since I last picked up a paintbrush. Although I messed it up a bit with the clear coat, I like to think this table has that nice rugged Habitat look...

La Crosse Habitat was one of three nonprofits asked to decorate a table for a fundraiser benefiting the Franciscan Spirituality Center in May. After brainstorming an approach with some of my lovely talented coworkers, we asked all staff to contribute in a "paint by numbers" format. I sketched the initial outline and cleaned up final touches with the last of our paint over the weekend.

Hopefully more of my artwork (fiber? collage? zines?) will find its way onto Etsy or be available locally soon. Where will I vend next? Stay tuned!

[kellyleibold]

Collage art, magnets, and paintings from the spring of 2024... love an excuse to play around with buttons

[kellyleibold]

A little Thanksgiving art to add to the decor last week. The spinning part is fun! Acrylic paint, 2023.

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More #inktober! Minus one that didn't turn out as well.

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The first week of Inktober 2023 contributions!

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Acrylic on wood, 2023.

[kellyleibold]

Acrylic on wood, 2023.