Kimry Jelen

Professional horse trainer and artist Kimry Jelen demonstrates an intimate understanding of her subjects. Her contemporary style flows freely from abstract to representational. She uses playful perspectives, deep textures and bold, surprising colors to express passion in her art. For those who know and love her work, the artist Kimry Jelen is synonymous with horses. But Kimry also paints dogs, cats, bunny rabbits, lots of other critters, and landscapes.

She says: "My art is an opportunity to share with others what nature shares with me. Every creation is a celebration of life, whether an aspen grove, the power of horses, or an animal's sense of humor! I receive so much joy from interpreting my love of nature with paint, brush and palette knife."

Click on any image below to see an enlarged view.

Kimry's art is influenced by the places she has lived and traveled. She worked for ranches in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and New Mexico. She's walked with primates on safari in Africa and rode horses in the classical arenas of Portugal and Spain.

Inspiration from these places can be seen in her use of space, unique texture and remarkable color combinations. This native Oregonian's work has found its way into private collections across the United States and the continents she's visited.

In 2014, Kimry was invited to show her artwork as part of the World Equestrian Games in France. She was the only American, and one of just six artists invited to participate. She raised the money to ship more than 40 pieces of art to Caen, France, where during the Games, it was viewed by more than half-a-million people. That international exposure has led to other exhibitions and garnered several commissions.

One of these commissions is a six-by-eight-foot painting of a horse, which hangs in the Lakeside Bistro at Black Butte Ranch. Kimry's original work, giclee prints, and note cards are available at Sisters Gallery and Frame Shop.

You can see more of her work on her website kimryjelen.com