I am a pharmaceutical chemistry graduate turned full-time artist, and I like to deal caffeine and croissants on the side.

I never believed I had much talent with a paint brush, so I never thought to pursue anything artistic through my schooling. Especially since art in school focuses a lot on symbolism and deeper meaning. I struggled with art in school because I couldn't just paint a yellow sunflower because I wanted to paint a yellow sunflower. It had to have meaning, symbolism, colour trials, artistic references, etc. To me, the sunflower is yellow because that's the colour of sunflowers and I painted it this way because that's what sunflowers look like and that’s how I wanted to do it. Looking back, that was probably because my science brain would kick in with its logical and matter-of-fact way of thinking and seeing things.

However, outside of school, I became fascinated with the way I could manipulate watercolour paints and how painting was such a mindful and relaxing task that gave me some 'me time'. My brain doesn’t often shut-up, but it does when I am painting. 

I taught myself how to paint by trying to mimic other artworks that I liked. This allowed me to really practice different techniques and better understand how I could manipulate the paint to do what I wanted it to do to achieve different effects. I practiced and practiced, and within a couple years I really began to develop my own style and technique. I have dabbled with acrylic painting and have had some fun playing around with that at times, but I just can't seem to hack oil paints…oh well. 

My journey to owning a business has been a very interesting one. If you had of told me a few years ago that I would be running a successful art business I would have laughed at you. My paintings started off as a hobby and a personal outlet, a way of having "me time" and switching my brain off from my studies. Over time is has evolved, at times very slowly, and on occasion at a crazy and overwhelming rate. I have had to shift my mindset several times along the way from “it’s a hobby” to “it’s my side hustle” to “it’s a full-on business”, which has been totally crazy! 

I am so incredibly grateful for all the love and support that I have received along the way that has allowed me to be doing what I am doing today. 

 

 

If you would like to learn how to watercolour...

I started Jess Keeli Academy in 2023 to help people who wished they could watercolour feel more confident creating art they can be proud of, even if they can't draw stick figures.

My goal with Jess Keeli Academy is to help others discover the joy, confidence, and calm that comes from putting brush to paper...no drawing skills required!

So if you think you're 'not creative enough', want to find a hobby that's just for you, or love the idea of watercolours but don't know where to start, Jess Keeli Academy is the place for you.

Check out my free masterclass, online course, mini tutorials and digital guides through my other website:

 www.jesskeeliacademy.com 

 

You can also find my story featured elsewhere:

✨OAK Magazine - "The Art of Science" From Issue 10

✨ Two Gay Peas in a Podcast - Ep 13: Creativity Advocate, Artist & Entrepreneur, Jess Keeli Creative

✨ My Creative Process with Jess Keeli - NOTEWORTHY at Officeworks

So come explore!