Step into the captivating world of renowned artist John Melville Kelly with this exceptional piece of artwork. Kelly (1878-1962) creative journey began in San Francisco, where he was born and raised before attending prestigious art schools in the city. After a successful career as a graphic artist, including a notable stint at the San Francisco Examiner, Kelly embarked on a one-year assignment in Hawaii in 1923 to illustrate a new housing development on Oahu. Little did he know that this temporary endeavor would forever change his life. Enamored by the enchanting beauty of Hawaii, Kelly and his wife decided to make the islands their permanent home. It was here, on the shores of Oahu, that Kelly's artistic talent truly blossomed. Embracing the art of etching, he initially employed the drypoint method, skillfully creating black and white artworks on copper plates during the 1920s. As the years progressed, he ventured into using vibrant colors, mastering the aquatint print method. In fact, he played a pivotal role in founding the Honolulu Printmakers Association in 1926, showcasing his dedication to advancing the art scene in Hawaii. Kelly's reputation soared beyond the islands in 1934 when his etchings and aquatints were exhibited in New York, marking his first major showcase beyond the West Coast and Hawaii. Time magazine praised his work, catapulting his career to new heights. Interestingly, Kelly himself was not particularly fond of exhibiting his creations, doing so only when persuaded by his wife, Kate, who was an accomplished artist in her own right as a sculptress and photographer. Unveiled to the public for the first time at the request of a collector and surfer, this exceptional graphite artwork captures the essence of Hawaiian surfing. Depicting a standing surfer in the foreground, it seamlessly conveys the energy and thrill of riding the waves. Further down the wave, another surfer begins to rise to their feet, while a third sits on a board, poised for an exhilarating ride. Adding a touch of authenticity, the artwork bears the raised seal used by Kelly to authenticate his prints and aquatints for public sale. As a bonus, this lot includes a remarkable book that delves into the extensive collection of Kelly's artworks. Entitled "Hawaiian Idyll: The Prints of John M. Kelly," this 157-page publication was published in 2005 by the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Kelly’s graphite artwork measures 12" x 8" and comes elegantly framed, with dimensions of 21" x 17".

Size
12" x 8"

Condition
Good+ with typical wear

Medium
Illustration