Artist Kelli Swan - Bios

Kelli Swan specializes in the beautiful and striking effect of graphite illustration. Her detailed pencil drawings depicting various themes have won many awards in prestigious juried art shows. In addition, her drawings have been published on magazine covers, special event program covers and in a variety of publications. Kelli’s original works reside in collections in Germany, The UAE and The United States. Educated at the University of Akron in Ohio, she received her BFA with Summa Cum Laude honors.

Kelli draws her inspiration from a life-long love of animals and nature. Fascinated with drawing at an early age, she was already winning art competitions in Jr. High School. High School brought more awards, as well as a special devotion to her artwork. She participated in extra-curricular art classes and was receiving commissions by the age of 16!

Using a variety of pencils, Kelli creates depth and movement through the use of perspective, rich tonality and numer of rendering techniques. She begins with research and photograph studies of her subject(s). Next, she explores various creative approaches with a series of rough sketches. These sketches are refined and ultimately lead to a final line-composition. Then, the final rendering begins. It can require 100 hours or more to complete a large pencil drawing.

Kelli owns and operates Cygnet Graphics, the company through which she publishes and sells her work. Commissions are accepted and further information is available through the Custom Drawings page.

Kelli’s favorite interests include reading, hiking with her dogs, yoga, meditation and peaceful times with friends. Her favorite blessing on this earth is being in the presence of nature.

Artist Biography and Statement

“I am fascinated by the simplicity of a pencil. It is one of the most basic of tools, and yet it can be used to create images of great complexity and depth. To take that which is simple and basic, and to create with it something moving and inspiring is a personally enriching experience. To me, this creative process is a reflection of life. We all possess very basic tools, and what can be created with these tools is incredibly complex, moving and full of potential.”

- Kelli Swan

Photos courtesy of Sharon Shanholtzer Photography