Lot description
ARTIST: Ken Kelly (New York, Connecticut, born 1946) NAME: Blonde and Black Lace MEDIUM: oil on board CONDITION: Very good. No visible inpaint under UV light. SIGHT SIZE: 24 x 15 inches / 60 x 38 cm FRAME SIZE: 26 x 17 inches / 66 x 43 cm SIGNATURE: lower left SKU#: 118877 US Shipping $75 + insurance. BIOGRAPHY: Ken Kelly, an illustrator of heroic fantasies including dragons, sexy nudes and huges muscle-bound figures, was born in 1946 in New London, Connecticut, and grew up on neighboring Long Island, New York. As a child, he watched his "Uncle," well-known fantasy illustrator, Frank Frazetta (married to Kelly's cousin), draw during family gatherings.Following graduation from high school, Kelly joined the Marines for four years, from 1964-1968, illustrating "The Gitmo Gazette" magazine while stationed in Cuba. Returning to New York City, Kelly went to Frazetta in his studio, who suggested Kelly study with him in preparation for a commercial art career. Soon thereafter, he received his first commission, from Warren's "Vampirella Magazine". His painting, titled, "The Lurking Terror", featured a woman whose terrified face didn't satisfy Frazetta, to whom Kelly showed the painting, and Frazetta re-painted it. Throughout 1968, Kelly continued to work for Warren, as well as for "Skywald" magazine.In 1969, Kelly began his work with book covers, including, over the years, paintings for Robert Adam's Horse Clan novels and books by Robert E. Howard. Kelly has also done extensive work for toy manufacturers, and record album covers for groups including KISS.Kelly paints in oil, with an average size of 30" by 40",although his Kingdom of the Knights is 60" by 40".