Kayla Mahaffey “KaylaMay” is a Chicago based artist specializing in illustration and fine art. In 2012, she attended the American Academy of Art where she gained knowledge and strengthened her skills.

Her work speaks about how living in our world can be tough and how making the best of it can simply be done by holding on to each other.

Her inspiration is the world around her and her colorful paintings contain hints of whimsy and realism that tell a story of inner thoughts and society issues that sometimes go unheard. Being born and raised on the South side of Chicago, only ignited her love for all things art.

Seeing the struggle and the support from the community made her work evolve to a concept that is personal to her. She continues to further her technique and creativity in her field in order to paint a beautiful picture of a new world for those who live in it.

‘Off to the Races’ narrates the ever-changing road of life. As we travel through life we experience the daily trials and tribulations that help shape us into the people we are today. During this journey we may end up hitting some bumps or may experience some rough terrain, but it’s how we deal with those situations that make the difference.

We are all on the journey to greatness, each individual racing to the finish line in hope of reaching goals and prosperity. With the race may come with it mistakes and regret, but not taking part in the race leads you nowhere.

Playful portraits by Chicago-based artist and illustrator Kayla Mahaffey. Using a combination of whimsy and realism, Mahaffey explores the inner thoughts and personal issues that so often go unheard, creating work that reflects both the struggle and support she sees within her own community:

“Living in our society can be tough and most of the time we have to make the best of it. A wild imagination can take you so far, but at the end of the day we need to realize and observe the world around us. And the world around us is where I find my inspiration to paint.”

Her work speaks about how living in our world can be tough and how making the best of it can simply be done by holding on to each other.

Links

• Kayla Mahaffey (@kaylamay_art) • Instagram photos
• Artist Spotlight: Kayla Mahaffey – BOOOOOOOM!
• Kayla Mahaffey Artworks | Art Collectorz
• Elephant Room | Kayla Mahaffey | Chicago
• Kayla Mahaffey: Off to the Races – Chicago Gallery News
• Home of her Art.

Art Related Index

This is an index of art that I have found profound, interesting, beautiful or enlightening. In any event, I find that art soothes my soul. I enjoy painting figurative and portraits in oils using the more traditional Flemish technique, but it never really brought me the kind of money I need to live off of. Such is the life of a painter today. Please enjoy.

Articles & Links

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