Peter Kelly (1931-2019)

Peter Kelly, The Kitchen Shelf, Watercolour (70 × 47cm), framed and glazed (98 × 78). Signed.

scenes with an emphasis on mood over narrative and carefully arranged yet unpretentious still lifes, often featuring simple domestic objects. His palette typically leaned toward muted, earthy tones: greys, ochres, umbers, soft whites, which gave his work a serene, timeless quality. These tonal choices enhanced the feeling of stillness and solitude that became a hallmark of his work. He was a classically trained painter who worked in oil on canvas, often on a modest scale, and in watercolour. His process was characterized by preliminary sketches and studies, meticulous composition with every element in his paintings being placed with intent, often following a structured, geometric underpinning. He used traditional oil techniques, building up translucent layers (glazes) to capture subtle light effects and surface textures and his mark-making was restrained and deliberate, contributing to the overall sense of quietude and order in his compositions. His scenes often appear devoid of human presence, which further intensifies the atmosphere of reflection and stillness.

Kelly drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, both historical and contemporary.  Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916) was a clear and acknowledged influence who was perhaps Kelly’s most profound influence. Known for his muted interiors and serene light, Hammershøi’s minimalist, contemplative spaces resonate clearly in Kelly’s own interiors. Kelly’s cool palette and sense of technical restraint are also reflective of other Scandinavian and Northern European tonalist painters such as Peder Severin Krøyer (1851–1909), Carl Holsøe (1863–1935) and Harriet Backer (1845–1932). The quiet domesticity and attention to everyday life painted by artists like Johannes Vermeer (1632-75) and Pieter de Hooch (1629-84) influenced Kelly’s use of interior space and natural light in his architectural interiors and still life scenes. Kelly’s work is not about storytelling or drama; it is about presence, stillness, and the poetics of light and space. His paintings offer viewers a chance to pause, reflect, and engage with quiet beauty in the mundane. By avoiding clutter or overt symbolism, he created work that is understated but rich in emotional and visual depth.

Kelly exhibited widely throughout his career, with solo shows at galleries such as John Adams Fine Art, Waterman Fine Art, and Thompson's Galleries. His work was also featured in prestigious group exhibitions, including the New English Art Club, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the Discerning Eye Exhibition, and the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) Exhibition. Notably, he won the Most Creative Painting Prize at the RBA Exhibition in 2004. His work is held in several public collections, including those of HSBC Bank, Ing Barings Charterhouse Securities, and the Ford Motor Company.

Peter Kelly's paintings continue to be celebrated for their quiet elegance and technical precision. His ability to capture moments of stillness and light has left a lasting impression on the art world and maintains his popularity amongst collectors to this day.