My Story

My name is Brennan Kalis. I am a 29 year old artist from Overland Park. I received my artistic training at the Sacred Art School of Florence, Italy. For three years I was formed in creating sacred art in the Western tradition. This artistic tradition, finding
its first roots in the Greco-Roman painting school and its “second” roots in Renaissance Italy, is termed today as “figurative” or “representational” art. It represents a person or real things in a way that depicts them literally or matter-of-factly instead of in a stylized or symbolic way. In this philosophy of art the artist doesn’t heavily interpret his subjects but instead strives to depict things as they are but through his eyes. This is unique to Western art.

My artistic style I practice today is accordingly figurative although I have experience in other styles. While not the most popular style of art in our contemporary world, I believe the figurative tradition still has a special capacity to speak to the
human heart.

I think part of this capacity to speak is the presence of the face. When we pray we long to look upon the face of God and be with Him. While not God himself, the human face is the closest thing to seeing God’s and is in fact His very image. This lets the viewer enter into prayer in a different way. While I use real people for the faces you see here, I believe that in them God can be seen, not because I painted them but because God created them Himself.

The second aspect of this capacity is that figurative art can speak to all without exception. Those who may not have the capacity to think in complex ways such as a child can still appreciate a figurative painting, even if this painting has a deeper story. Just like such a painting, God gives himself to all and excludes no one in His invitation even with his depth of mystery.

I hope you have a good chance to see my art here. I am available for questions or comments any time. I can explain the process, materials, history, etc. You can contact me through any of the means I’ve provided below. I am also currently a commissioned artist open for new clients. In the past I have worked with a diverse clientele from churches to individuals. I paint sacred compositions, family portraits, interior/exterior murals, landscapes, and any other ideas my clients might have. Feel free to explore my website to view my portfolio which includes my drawings as well.

Thank you,

Brennan Kalis