My name is Kelly dos Santos and I’m the artist behind Kedosart, short for Kelly dos Santos Art. I’m a self-taught artist based in Rotterdam. I was always told that being an artist wasn’t a realistic path, so I did what felt responsible: I built a stable life with a steady job and income. But deep down I always knew I felt most like myself when I was creating. That quiet knowing never left me..

I taught myself everything I know by spending countless hours in front of the canvas. I threw myself into learning: trying out materials, exploring techniques, experimenting with colour and figuring out what worked through trial and error.

I paint abstract portraits using acrylic and acrylic gouache. My portraits are built up in layers of colour and organic shapes, always brought together with a clean, matte and intentional finish. I used to work mostly in black and white but the moment I allowed colour in, everything changed. It gave my work new energy and I’ve never looked back.

Women of color are often at the centre of my work. When I was younger I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the art I came across. Now I paint what I once needed to see.

I create both original paintings and limited edition art prints, all made by me in my home studio. Each print is signed, numbered and carefully produced on high-quality fine art paper. I believe art should be accessible, not just to collectors but to anyone who connects with it.