True Colors—Rick Kelley’s art helps a nation heal

Rick Kelley had no idea how much
September 11, 2001 would change his life.

The critically-acclaimed wildlife painter has built a national reputation since starting his career in 1980. A few days after 9/11, Rick went searching for an American flag but returned empty-handed. Inspired by an idea that his wife, Shawn, had given him a few years back, Rick retreated to his studio, determined to paint his own flag.

On Freedom’s Wing

As his brush met the canvas, Rick says it was like “something divine” guided his hand. Seven days later, his painting was complete. Two eagles soared around a majestic mountain, as sunlight and shadows cast an American flag image on its rocky slope. Immediately, Rick and his wife knew that “On Freedom’s Wing” was his greatest work yet.

A flurry of media attention drew an overwhelming response from admirers. Suddenly, Rick and Shawn had to hire temps to keep up with orders, and fans came to his art shows in droves. Since then, Rick has sold more than 400,000 prints and has donated thousands of dollars to the Red Cross, the Todd Beamer Foundation and other charities.

GLS Account Executive John LaBahn has worked with Rick for 10 years. GLS produces the marketing brochures for Rick’s studio, as well as printing his retail art prints. “John knows my art well,” says Rick. “His bids are better than the competitors, and I always know I can count on him for good project management.”

“We are honored to have been Rick’s printer of choice over the years,” John declares. “It’s a rare privilege to work with such a nationally-known, high-quality artist.” a nationally-known, high-quality artist.”

Coming Home

Rick’s latest work, “Coming Home,” is dedicated to veterans. It depicts a bald eagle gliding triumphantly past a mountain with the shape of the United States camouflaged in its peak. Rick is working on a sponsorship project that will allow families of fallen soldiers in Iraq to receive a free framed and gel-coated print of “Coming Home,” “The Patriot” or “On Freedom’s Wing.” He is also seeking a Fortune 500 sponsor to donate framed mini-prints of “Coming Home” to an estimated 750,000 U.S. soldiers who have served in Iraq.

“This is what makes me tick,” Rick reveals. “My entire life, I wondered what I was put on this earth to do. To create something that brings such emotion to people…it’s the greatest reward.”

GLS is proud to help Rick share the true colors of his craft with collectors. For more information, visit www.Kelleyfineart.com