The Artist

Statement from the Artist

Welcome to the online gallery. 

My work integrates observation and construction and is driven by experience, exploring the embodiment of a moment in a person or place while capturing sensations rooted in shared cultural subjects. I’m drawn to subjects charged with collective energy (such as an event or a city), or elevated action, or high adrenaline moments, wanting to amplify it beyond realism into idealism. My goal is to translate the momentum or emotional intensity into something even more vivid or alive.  

In an expressive maximalist style, I work with high-contrast color in loose, varied strokes layered over dimensional texture. The palette consists of unblended strong colors, using complementary or split-complementary colors to balance intensity. I often load multiple paint colors onto a single brush or knife, allowing the colors to blend organically as they are applied or rolled onto the canvas. I prefer inferred lines rather than exact lines, and broken rather than straight; I want to leave room for the viewer’s imagination to interpret. In collaborative works, I invite viewers to contribute directly to the canvas, allowing their marks to become part of the composition. This process incorporates multiple perspectives, transforming the work into a record of collective perception.

My work is influenced by the Impressionists and Expressionists, George Bellows and Leroy Neiman’s use of color and subject matter, and Jackson Pollock, for following his instincts instead of expectations.

Shaun Kinley, The Artist

Shaun has professionally produced art for thirty years. His work has included a piece presented to a U.S. President in the Oval Office, professional athletes, businesses, and private collectors. He instructs visual arts and coaches wrestling at nationally ranked St. Edward High School.

Shaun holds a bachelors degree from The Ohio State University, where he was a varsity wrestler. He earned his Masters Degree from Notre Dame College.

Selected Exhibitions and Works:

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

“Peace by Peace” Presented to President William Clinton at the White House depicting the Oslo Peace Treaty. Commissioned by Jewish-Arab American Council and currently housed in the Clinton Library. A reproduction was exhibited in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art's 2013 People and Places exhibition.

The Hale Center at The Ohio State University

“In His Hands” Presented to The Todd A. Bell Center for the African American Male at The Ohio State University, and "Rise Up" Commissioned by Bob and Beth Buehler and currently displayed in the Hale Center at The Ohio State University.

University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH (2023); Exhibition spotlighting UH’s relationship with the Cleveland Browns included six of Shaun’s works; curated by Tom Huck. 

Beck Center for the Arts, Lakewood, OH (2018); Shaun Kinley solo exhibition retrospective; curated by Ed Gallagher.

University Hospitals commissioned an original painting for a benefactor event at the Haslam residence in Bratenahl. (2023)

Rudis, an American sports apparel brand and retailer, commissioned paintings of wrestling icons Dave Schultz, Kyle Snyder, Jordan Burroughs, and Cary Kolat, which are housed in their permanent collection. (2022, 2019)

Painting commissioned for Travis Kelce, tight end for the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, by 3 Arts Sports agency for Kelce’s charity 87 and Running. (2019)

Painting commissioned for Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns defensive back, by 3 Arts Sports agency for Ward’s charity Make Them Know Your Name (MTKYN). (2019)

The George Group (Tony George) purchased several pieces opening Summer Place restaurant in Lakewood, OH in 2019, which are permanently displayed, including “Coral Reef.” The George Group commissioned the painting “Head to Head” when opening its flagship restaurant in 1996 for the former Harry Buffalo chain.

Stark Enterprises purchased several original cityscape pieces, permanently displayed in the Hyatt in Westlake, OH. (2015 to present)

National City Bank commissioned “Carrying for the Cause” for its breast cancer awareness campaign with the Cleveland Browns and event at the Cleveland Museum of Art. (2009)

Cleveland Clinic commissioned “The Huddle” for a Cleveland Browns event. (2008) 

Horizons/Crossing the Line commissioned a series of paintings for marathons across the United States: Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, Marine Corp/Washington D.C., and Disney/Orlando. (2003 - 2006)

Other notable works include: “Special Teams” currently displayed in Browns coaching offices, “Michigan Sweep” commissioned for and owned by Troy Smith, Jim Thome, Grady Sizemore, Eddie George, Woody Hayes with Rex Kern, Chris Spielman, Chester Taylor, Maria Sharipova, Sugar Ray Robinson, Bruce Baumgartner, The Kentucky Derby’s Silver Charm and Captain Bodgit, and Indy Racing’s Robby Buhl.

Film Credits

“The Huddle,” “Browns Charge,” and “Municipal Stadium,” art work used in Hulu series The Land (2026), produced by 20th Television & Skydance Sports; Executive Producers: Dan Fogelman, David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jason T. Reed, Jess Rosenthal.

“The Huddle” art work used in Draft Day (2014), directed by Ivan Reitman, with production by OddLot Entertainment, Montecito Picture Company, and in association with Summit Entertainment

Presidential Commission

"Peace By Peace," depicting the Oslo Peace Treaty, was given to President William Clinton at the White House in the Oval Office. It is currently displayed in the Clinton Library.

Travis Kelce & Charity- Eight Seven and Running

Kansas City Chief tight end, Travis Kelce's charity group, Eighty Seven and Running, featured Shaun's paintings at events in Kansas City and Cleveland.

Denzel Ward (MTKYN)

 

Todd A. Bell Lecture Series with Archie Griffin at The Ohio State University

Shaun signed prints of the Todd Bell image at this annual event for the National Resource Center for the African American Male at OSU. Pictured with Archie Griffin, OSU legend and past Alumni Association President, also in attendance.

The Ohio State University Hale Hall Ribbon Cutting Celebration Gala

Jim Jackson was recognized for his support with the unveiling of "Rise Up" which is permanently installed in the hall's collection. The event honored the renovation of Hale Hall and the contributions of Dr. Frank W. Hale, Jr., and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. 

Fox News Appearance

Shaun on air as the featured artist.

Cleveland Browns Headquarters

A canvas print of "Special Teams" was presented to former head coach Romeo Crennel.

Liberty Aviation Museum

Port Clinton Appetite for the Arts
Shaun Kinley awarded Best of Show