Music-loving, craft-making, nature-worshiping, soul-searching mountain mama. 

Kelly Saunders is a self-described “Type A” creative who, after a two-decade corporate career, answered her life calling to be a painter. Hailing from the artistic haven of Asheville, NC, Kelly draws inspiration from the dynamic cultural tapestry that defines the mountain city.

The self-taught artist primarily paints with acrylics and embraces the messiness of palette knives and untraditional tools. She is known for her signature style of layers upon layers of textures and colors, creating emotion with bold strokes and vivid hues.

Kelly’s work can be viewed at galleries and retail locations, and she has a loyal collectors across the U.S. who keep her busy with commissions. Outside of her studio, she is very involved with the arts. Kelly is an artist/owner of the Asheville Gallery of Art, and she has leadership roles with ArtsvilleUSA and the Asheville-based Biltmore Lake Imaginative Studio Stroll.

Kelly was born and raised in Panama City, FL. Having moved nearly 30 times during her 44 years of life, she is enriched by each stop. She and her husband have a combined family of five children ages 9-25.