Meet Marine Artist Kelly Reark – Award-winning marine artist Kelly Reark draws much of her inspiration from fishing in Boca Grande and Chokoloskee south of Naples. Growing up in a family that loved the outdoors provided her many opportunities to explore Florida while fishing and hunting.

Pursuing her creative passion, Kelly uses her art talent and formal marine biology education to advocate for sustainability, ecosystem management and conservation.

She paints silks, creates “tattooed” fiberglass fish and paints on traditional canvas. Kelly has created work on many species from sea turtles to bonefish. Tarpon continue to be the most popular mount. Sepia toned paintings and fish mounts have become her sought-after trademark style. “Sepia tones look like woodcarving or scrimshaw in the way that I apply the paint,” Kelly says. “I like the challenge of incorporating full color expressions of light, water and texture.”

Since 2002, Kelly has exhibited her work in conjunction with fishing tournaments, galleries, fine art festivals, and more. Her colorful artwork represents Harley-Davidson, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament in Boca Grande. Her work has also been published in books, magazines and newspapers, and is on display in both private collections and public spaces.

Learn more about Kelly and her colorful art at KellyReark.com.