Meet Kelly Merkur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Merkur.

Kelly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I received a BFA in Textile Design at the University of Kansas. I worked for a few years as a designer/ buyer for Fabricut/S. Harris in Tulsa, OK until I met my husband while at a trade show in NYC. He was from Plantation. So eventually I quit my job and moved to S Florida.

My husband & I have two daughters. I stayed home to raise our girls until a few years ago. I got into painting accidentally. I always avoided the painting electives while I was in school. I guess I was intimidated. But a few years ago my mom, who is an artist, was planning to visit for a few weeks.

I thought it would be fun for us to take a painting class together at The Boca Raton Museum Art School. I was hooked. I started painting dogs. I was so focused on the details that I signed up for an abstract class in an effort to loosen up my style. I was hooked again.

Now I paint two completely different types of work. I still paint pet portraits. This is all commission work. People really love their pets!! I primarily paint dogs, however, I have done a few cats, a horse, a rooster, and a snake.

Recently I challenged myself to paint 100 dogs in 100 days with watercolor & I did it! The watercolor offers people a choice of a commission portrait at a lower price point.

I also love non-objective/abstract work. I paint with a lot of layers.

The end result is simple & minimal yet rich with intense color and texture. I am in the process of growing my business. I am so excited to see what the future has in store.

Has it been a smooth road?
Being an artist is a struggle because it’s not just about creating art. There is a hustle involved. Social Media/technology has definitely made this process easier. It becomes a matter of getting it in front of as many people as possible until the right person sees it.

As an artist, you have to grow a thick skin. You have to make yourself vulnerable and put your work out there & accept that not everyone is going to like what you do.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I really have two very different sides to my business. They should almost be two separate businesses. I create pet portraits/commission work. There is definitely an emphasis on customer service. Making sure the customer is happy. My goal is to make sure that the final product captures the personality & likeness of the pet while staying true to my artistic style.

I work in acrylic on canvas & the price point varies based on the size of the canvas. I also paint watercolor portraits. This gives me a chance to offer the same service at a lower price point as well as gives me a chance to deliver the painting much faster.

Lastly, I paint abstract work. I sell originals (acrylic on canvas). I am also in the process of making limited edition prints of some of my work.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of Miami/Ft Lauderdale. Being originally from the Mid-West I miss seasons.

Pricing:

• $50 for watercolor commission pet portrait

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kellymerkurart.com
• Phone: (954)817-4986
• Email: kellymerkurart@gmail.com
• Instagram: @kellymerkurart , @kellymerkurpet
• Facebook: Kelly Merkur Art
• Twitter: Art School
• Yelp: Art School
• Other: Art School

Image Credit:
Corey Best www.bestpartphotography.com

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