Jacqueline Kelly often draws inspiration from nature and the God who created it, as evidenced in “River Rocks”—the painting she crafted for the 2026 Fall Issue of The NEWTON Community Magazine.
“The Yellow River provided the setting for this piece,” she said. “As I reflected on the local scenery, I was especially drawn to the way the rocks stood steadfast and unmoving while the water flowed around them. I’m continually intrigued by the hand of God as the Master Creator and by the beauty He places before us. As I create, I often look for a spiritual connection or a meaningful lesson within the subject. In this painting, the strength and steadfastness of the rocks became a reminder of remaining grounded and faithful, even as life continually moves around us.”
The painting was brought to life through Kelly’s masterful use of acrylic paint over a layer of watercolor pencils. It took her an estimated 25 hours to complete.
“I enjoy working with mixed media because it allows me to explore different techniques and textures within a single piece,” she said. “I’m always excited by the opportunity to push boundaries, experiment and try something new. For me, the creative process is just as rewarding as the finished painting.”
Kelly was born in Brunswick, Georgia, but grew up in Buffalo, New York. She relocated to Covington some 26 years ago. Having spent more than three decades as a classroom teacher, Kelly considers herself a lifelong learner and a largely self-taught artist who seeks out avenues through which to improve her craft. As one of many artists associated with the Southern Heartland Art Gallery, a more complete connection to her work can be found atsouthernheartlandart.com/artists/jackie-kelly.
“I truly enjoy continuing to grow as an artist by taking classes, attending workshops and learning alongside other artists,” she said. “There’s always something new to discover, and I believe that remaining open to learning is an important part of the creative journey.”
