Kelly Bonello Art
I was immediately struck by Kelly’s vibrant and dream-like paintings when I walked by her booth. Speaking with her, it was clear she was passionate about her work, and she has been so busy since we met that we hardly had time to do this interview. But that is wonderful for her because it looks like Kelly Bonello’s paintings are trending.
Can you describe what your business does?
My business, Kelly Bonello Art, creates original travel-inspired paintings that celebrate the beauty and spirit of adventure. Each piece captures destinations around the world through vibrant color and expressive style. In addition to travel art, I also create pop art and fashion-inspired pieces, blending creativity, color, and storytelling across different themes. I offer originals, fine art prints, and stickers that bring art and wanderlust into everyday life.
Where did the idea come from?
I’ve been creating art since I was about four years old—it’s always been how I see and connect with the world around me. My inspiration comes from a love of travel and the sense of wonder it brings. Through my paintings, I hope to invigorate a spirit of adventure in others, encouraging them to explore, dream, and appreciate the beauty of the world. Sharing my art is my way of spreading joy and celebrating our shared love for travel, color, and creativity.
Can you describe your typical workday?
A typical day for me starts with coffee, breakfast, and prayer time, which helps me center my day with gratitude and focus. I then spend the morning on social media planning and communication—writing newsletters and posts, responding to emails, creating mockups for new artwork, updating my website, and recording any finances related to the business. Around noon, I make lunch for my husband and I, and then dedicate my afternoons to painting and commissions, as well as editing and creating reels or vlogs for my social media accounts.
In the evenings, I enjoy making dinner and quality time with my husband, and on certain days, with friends and family. When I’m preparing for art fairs, my schedule shifts toward booth prep—ordering new materials, designing signs and labels, organizing inventory, and packing artwork for display. I primarily work from home, where my studio space is bright, creative, and filled with color, inspiration, and travel memories. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love every day—sharing art that connects people to adventure, joy, and the beauty of the world.
What is your best-selling product?
Two of my best-selling pieces are my giclée fine art prints titled "Joshua Tree Girl" and "Huntington Beach Girl". Both capture the spirit of wanderlust and the beauty of two coveted destinations that so many people hold close to their hearts. Joshua Tree Girl embodies adventure and serenity within the desert landscape, while Huntington Beach Girl radiates the "California Cool" in coastal living and ocean sunsets.
These archival-quality giclée prints are printed on premium fine art paper designed to last for generations. Prices vary by size, starting around $32–$33, making them an accessible way to bring adventure, color, and inspiration into any home. They remain favorites among collectors who love their reminder of the freedom, beauty, and joy that travel brings.
What sets you apart from other artists?
What sets my art apart is the way it blends travel, portraiture, and imagination into one expressive, vibrant style. My work celebrates many different destinations—from beaches to mountains to cities around the world—inviting viewers to experience the beauty and spirit of adventure in each piece. I love merging the realistic and the abstract, creating art that feels both grounded in place and alive with emotion and color.
A hallmark of my work is the element of surprise. Whether it’s a woman’s sunglasses reflecting a realistic travel scene, a Star Wars character painted on a recycled Starbucks sleeve, or a VW van with a scene of a surfer riding a wave inside the vehicle, I enjoy weaving unexpected imagery within imagery. Even my seashell with a sunset hidden inside tells a story of discovery and wonder.
In a world full of talented artists, I strive to stand out by creating pieces that not only capture the eye but also spark curiosity and joy. My art reminds people of the beauty of exploration—of both the world and the imagination—and encourages them to see adventure in everyday moments.
How is social media important to your business?
Social media is a vital part of my art business. It allows me to connect directly with collectors, travelers, and art lovers who share my passion for creativity and adventure. Instagram and Facebook are the platforms that bring in the most business for me, alongside my in-person art fairs. I use them to share my newest pieces, behind-the-scenes looks, and especially engaging reels that mix humor, surprise, and storytelling—often revealing my creative process or the finished artwork in a fun, adventurous way.
I also have a YouTube channel called The Kelly Kronicles, where I share more in-depth content about my art-making process, the stories behind my travel and pop culture-inspired pieces, and the joy and humor that come with being a working artist. Social media helps me not only reach new audiences but also build a genuine connection with people who find joy and inspiration through art.
What are your thoughts on technology today?
Technology plays a really important role in my art business—it helps me stay organized, creative, and connected. I primarily use a MacBook, along with my iPhone, for quick photo and video updates on social media. I rely on Excel spreadsheets to track expenses, profits, and pricing so I can stay on top of the business side of my art.
For marketing, I love using Canva to design my business cards, postcards, and other branded materials. I also use AI tools and ChatGPT to brainstorm marketing ideas, pricing strategies, and ways to connect with my audience. One of my favorite uses of technology is creating AI-generated mockups—room settings where I digitally place my artwork so clients can visualize how each piece might look in their own space.
I organize my files through Google Drive, which helps keep my art business materials backed up and easy to access from anywhere. For other artists and small business owners, I’d recommend using a few key tools that help you stay both creative and consistent—it makes a huge difference in staying balanced and professional.
Regarding all the work that the business requires, do you hire contractors or does your family participate?
I manage most aspects of my business myself, including bookkeeping, website updates, and social media. I handle my own website through ArtStoreFronts, where I regularly add new pieces, update listings, and organize the layout. If a technical issue comes up that’s beyond my abilities, their tech support team is always very helpful in resolving it.
I don’t currently use a virtual assistant or answering service—I enjoy being hands-on and directly connected to my customers and collectors. Managing everything myself keeps me closely involved with every part of the creative and business process, from posting new art to tracking finances. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see each part of the business reflect my personal touch.
For finding new customers, doing outreach, and marketing, how do you manage this?
I use a mix of in-person and online outreach to find new customers and connect with collectors. At my art fairs, I keep a sign-up sheet where visitors can join my email list to receive my monthly newsletter, special offers, and event updates. Online, I stay active on Instagram and Facebook, which are my main platforms for building relationships and sharing my newest pieces.
I use Mailchimp to manage my email list, and Metricool to help plan and schedule my social media posts so I can stay consistent even during busy art show seasons. Canva is another key tool I rely on for designing business cards, social media graphics, and other marketing materials. Together, these tools help me reach new audiences, stay connected with existing customers, and keep my brand message clear and engaging across all platforms.
Practically speaking, how do you balance work, growth, and personal time?
Balancing work, growth, and personal time can definitely be a challenge, especially as an artist and small business owner. I usually dedicate mornings to organization and communication—checking emails, planning social media, and writing my newsletter—then spend the rest of the day creating artwork, working on commissions, or preparing for upcoming shows. When art fairs fill the weekends, life can get extra busy, but I make it a priority to carve out family time in the evenings and on Sundays, as well as time for prayer each morning to stay grounded and grateful.
I’ve found that using a planner and keeping a daily habits chart really helps me stay on track with my goals and creative routines. Though I’m not perfect at keeping up with everything, I am learning and improving each day. For me, balance comes from being intentional—making room for both productivity and peace.
Regarding the environment, social issues, and being a partner to the community, do you have any specific things your business focuses on?
I love finding creative ways to give new life to materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Whenever possible, I use recycled or thrifted canvases, transforming worn or damaged surfaces into fresh, modern works of art. One of my favorite examples of this is my “Star Wars on Starbucks” series, where I paint Star Wars characters and pop icons over the mermaid logo on recycled Starbucks cup sleeves—a fun and unexpected way to upcycle everyday items into joyful, collectible art.
I encourage other artists and small business owners to think creatively about reusing materials and upcycling—it not only helps the planet but also adds layers of meaning and authenticity to their work.
What do you see as the outlook for the future of your business?
In the next five to ten years, I’d love to see my art business continue to grow steadily with a consistent stream of income from both online sales and art fairs. My goal is to expand my collector base, and continue building recognition for my travel-inspired art. I also dream of creating a book that showcases my artwork and creative journey, celebrating the many destinations and stories that have inspired my pieces.
To me, success means being able to make a living doing what I love—creating art that brings joy, beauty, and a sense of adventure to others. I want my work to inspire people to celebrate travel and the incredible world God has given us. The art industry is always evolving, but I believe that authentic, meaningful art that connects people to emotion and experience will always have a place.
Do you have a final thought for the readers?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that life is too short not to chase your dreams—and to have a lot of fun while doing it. Whether your passion is art, travel, or something entirely different, don’t just start—run toward it with joy and faith. The path won’t always be easy, but if you take it one step at a time, it’s amazing how far you can go.
My art is all about celebrating the beauty of the world and the adventure of life—from travel-inspired paintings that capture stunning destinations to playful pop-culture twists that bring a smile. If you’re looking for inspiration, surprise, or a spark to follow your own wanderlust, I invite you to explore my work and join me at www.kellybonelloart.com. Here’s to creating, exploring, and embracing the journey with color, courage, and joy.
How can people find you online?
Here is where I am online:
Email: kellybonelloart@gmail.com
Website: kellybonelloart.com/shop-art
Facebook: /Kelly Bonello Art
Instagram: /kellybonelloart
TikTok: @kellybonelloart
Pinterest: /kellybonelloart
Youtube: @thekellykronicles