Unlike most painting teachers who invariably recommended their students to continue their studies in higher art institutions, Mrs. Valeroyus had a completely opposite approach. She persuaded Ken’s parents not to insist on continuing the artistic education after Ken graduated from high school. Mrs. Valeroyus believed that this would destroy his natural and unique style. It was only for Ken’s benefit, because he always dreamed of becoming a Marine.
After graduating from high school, he fulfilled his dream and for the next four years traveled around the world: he served in Vietnam and Guantanamo Bay. During the service, he repeatedly had to use his artistic skills. When his part of the Marines was stationed in Cuba, he even made illustrations for the American magazine The Gitmo Gazette. Ken Kelly’s “Dragons and Knights” depicts characters from Scandinavian mythology. A wonderful, colorful canvas. There are fire-breathing “sea devils” on it, and knights in combat equipment, and winged horses.
A fascinating atmosphere of magic, fairy-tale and, as it were, naivety in Ken Kelly’s paintings evoke sympathy in people of any age. The medieval castle, the blazing night sky, dragons with snake tongues – all this is a fantastic and beautiful world of artist Ken Kelly.
