Seaweed, Bordrouant, Belle Isle

Kelly developed the abstract paintings for which he is best known from the distillation of forms observed in the world around him. Plants have been a source of inspiration from the beginning of his career, as can be seen in this drawing of seaweeds made in 1949 in Brittany. Kelly was particularly drawn to the rhythmic movement created by the curvilinear outlines of the plant and by the variety of marks he could use to render its texture.