Kelly Reark was painting long before her formal training began, with several artists including Barbara Bush from Florida, and Wes and Rochelle Siegrist, renowned husband and wife artists from Tennessee.  It was with these teachers that she first learned to paint the wildlife that still inspires her today.  Caren Stevens, with Art Inherited out of Land O'Lakes, Florida, has been a huge inspiration and mentor as well.     

In college, Kelly studied marine biology, art and psychology before getting her degree.  Through interest in her father’s billfishing pursuits, Kelly caught the fish fever and began to exhibit at billfish tournaments.  With her background in fishing and love of biology, it was no surprise that marlin, sailfish, and other game fish quickly became her choice subjects. 

Through the billfish tournament circuit, she has become friends with many well-known and amazing marine artists, including Carey Chen, Hanes Hoffman, Be Forbes, Pierre Pierce and Larry McCarty (to name a few!).  These fellow artists are of great inspiration in all forms.