With great grandmothers on both sides of her family as talented artists, Kelly Fielden grew up with a love and appreciation for art and design. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a BA and a concentration in abstract oil painting, she started her own art business in 1995 in Falls Church, VA specializing in murals, paintings, hand painted furniture, and color consultation. Working closely with retail stores, interior designers, and homeowners in VA, MD, and D.C., she developed a true passion for art and design. Learn more about Kelly and her business, Mason Brookes Designs, below!
What inspired you to start your business?
“I knew I wanted to be an artist at a young age.My grandmother and great great grandmother were artists. Being an artist felt natural to me. After getting my degree in Studio Art from the University of Maryland, I started a mural and art business in the DC area.”
What advice would you give a student or aspiring entrepreneur?
“Immerse yourself in the field of work you are interested in, learn everything about it and engage or learn more about those whose work you admire or aspire to.”
How has social media influenced or helped your business? Do you have an example?
“When I first started my art business out of college, social media didn’t exist. So when I re-started my business after taking time off to start a family, I had to embrace all of the new ways of having an art business. My son , at age 12, encouraged me to open an Instagram account for my art two years ago. Now most of my business is from IG. I love the IG community of artists, designers, and “kindred spirits “ , as I call it, of design. After British fashion designer Madderson London reached out to me on IG for a collaboration, she ended up using the image of my Pink and Green Tennis Court painting as the backdrop for her Spring Fashion line.”
Who do you admire and why?
“I admire artists and designers that are fearless with their use of color and pattern. To me it often reflects a joie de vivre.”
What is next for your business?
“I plan on creating more paintings for galleries, designers, and private collections”
What do you think has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?
“Being asked to do a video of painting my Chinoiserie pumpkins by Town and Country Magazine and getting emails from one of their editors was pretty thrilling! The video they shared on their Facebook and IG brought attention to my fine art as well.”
