3604 Spring Hill Avenue

Felix Kelly was heavily influenced by surrealists early in his artistic career which can be seen in many of his works of the 1940s. Kelly regularly received commissions to paint portraits of grand houses and estates, and he often included surrealist aspects to add an otherworldly appearance to the subjects. However, Kelly recognized that his commissions were more popular when depicting a home in a romantic and nostalgic manner rather than a surreal one, and he shifted his painting style to accommodate the preference of his patrons, wealthy homeowners from the United States and Great Britian.

An exhibit at The R. W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1972 included this considerable work and was entitled “Felix Kelly: A Romantic Realist,” further alluding to the romantic yet realistic style for which Kelly became most known. “3604 Spring Hill Avenue” of Mobile, Alabama is a masterwork of the artist’s southern scenes with a classic moss-draped oak, inviting lawn chairs and abundant foliage.

Exhibited: “Felix Kelly: A Romantic Realist”, The R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport, LA, Apr. 16 – May 14, 1972.