My name is Derek Kelley and I’m a charcoal artist. My charcoal drawings are rooted in recovery, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of simply being alive.
After years of addiction and now seven years of sobriety, I’ve come to understand life through contrast, highs and lows, darkness and light, pain and gratitude. Addiction teaches intensity, and sobriety teaches how to feel that intensity naturally. I channel those feelings into my work.
Working in charcoal allows me to explore raw emotion honestly. My drawings often carry a sense of depth and shadow, sometimes dark, sometimes quiet, but always intentional. I believe the presence of darkness only heightens the beauty beside it, and that contrast is where life feels most real.
Through my art, I aim to create pieces that are deeply moving, emotionally charged, and intriguing, works that invite reflection and connection. Each drawing is an expression of passion, healing, and the extraordinary beauty found in everyday existence. I hope those who view my work can feel that passion, find meaning in the contrast, and see a reflection of their own emotions within it.
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Ashley on Mar 23, 2026
5 out of 5 starsExcellent customer service! Very responsive and made getting a replacement as easy as possible when the original order was lost in the delivery process. Beautiful print as well!
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Krista on Mar 15, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI will be purchasing more from this seller in the future. The prints were great quality and came in quickly!
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Krista on Mar 15, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI bought two pieces from Derek and am so inspired by his use of light in his work. The prints were great quality and arrived quickly. I am genuinely so happy to support with my business and I plan on keeping an eye on future works.
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Natalie on Mar 2, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI got this piece, had some issues with the shipping, but the artist reached out and apologized and shipped me a new one. It’s gorgeous and much thicker paper than I had thought it would be. The art itself is gorgeous and he followed up with me to make sure the new one arrived! All in all very very pleased both with the piece and the artist himself.
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Etsy buyer on Feb 21, 2026
5 out of 5 starsReally beautiful print, the matte finish helps recreate the style of the original drawing
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Seth on Feb 20, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis is my new favorite piece! Pathos is hanging in my bedroom on the northern wall so she'll be the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning.
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Seth on Feb 20, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis is one of three prints I ordered and my second favorite of the bunch.
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Seth on Feb 20, 2026
5 out of 5 starsAmazing art, awesome seller! Will definitely be keeping an eye out for more!
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Gladys on Feb 12, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis beautiful print was printed on heavy matte paper and is stunning. It was well packaged and I’m more than pleased. Getting it unrolled was a challenge but it’s gorgeous in the matted frame I got for it. Can’t wait to have it on my wall.
Derek responded on Feb 12, 2026
Thank you so much, Gladys! We’re really happy to hear you loved the print and how it looks framed. It means a lot to us.
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