For artist Kendra Runnels, becoming a fine artist was never part of the original plan. Today, however, her mixed media paintings—layered with texture, meaningful words, and striking pops of color—have built a devoted following of collectors who connect deeply with the messages within her work.
Runnels’ path into fine art began unexpectedly. While she always loved art growing up, she never imagined pursuing it as a career. Instead, she studied graphic design, eventually transferring from a liberal arts college to the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her high school art teacher had encouraged her to follow her creative instincts, helping inspire the move and her decision to study design. After graduating, Runnels worked as a graphic designer for several years. Her entry into fine art came almost by chance when a friend gifted her a few blank canvases. Curious to experiment, she created her first pieces of “fine art” and brought them to a gallery. To her surprise, the work sold quickly.
“That’s where it all began,” she says. Today, Runnels balances her studio practice with the realities of running a full-time art business while raising a family. Her workdays often begin after getting her children off to school. By mid-morning she’s usually in the studio, ready to paint—if business responsibilities don’t take priority. While painting is the heart of her work, many days are filled with the behind-the-scenes tasks required to sustain a creative career: applying to art shows, fulfilling online orders, printing and stretching giclée reproductions, packaging shipments, managing inventory, submitting sales tax reports, ordering supplies, scanning artwork, and updating her website. Preparing for art fairs or
exhibitions can take up entire days. Because of this, there are sometimes weeks when she paints very little. Still, she strives to spend at least three full days each week focused purely on creating. “When I can do that, I’m very happy,” she says. “The time always goes by too fast” Runnels typically begins each painting with a clear concept. She sketches detailed compositions either on paper or directly onto the wood panel she plans to use. Her process combines collage and paint, incorporating pages from old books, maps, sheet music, tickets, and other found papers before layering acrylic paint and molding paste to build texture and depth. Many of the papers she selects contain words or phrases that quietly reinforce the themes within the piece.
“I like the words in the background to whisper hope or tell a story,” she explains. One of her most recognizable series features rainy-day scenes of figures walking beneath umbrellas. These paintings are largely monochromatic—black, white, or sepia—except for the umbrellas, which burst with color. The vivid accents symbolize hope breaking through life’s darker moments. Faith plays a central role in Runnels’ creative vision. Many of her recurring subjects are inspired by scripture, including birds and flowers that reflect verses about God’s care for creation. Beach scenes evoke rest and renewal, while travel-themed paintings reference the reassurance of faith during life’s journeys. Her personal experiences have also shaped the evolution of her work. When she first began painting, she was going through a difficult season of life, and her palette reflected darker tones. Over time, as her life brightened, her colors followed suit. Looking ahead, Runnels is currently completing a series of large-scale umbrella paintings and recently finished a collection of “love birds” inspired by the message of enduring love in 1 Corinthians 13. She is also planning a new collection of beach paintings that may be released later this spring.
Collectors will have the opportunity to see her work in person at upcoming festivals including the Atlanta Dogwood Festival (April 10–12) and the Inman Park Festival (April 25–26). For Runnels, success isn’t measured solely by sales or recognition. Instead, it comes from the emotional connection viewers feel when they encounter her art.
“I’ve seen people come to tears looking at a piece,” she says. “That means more than anything.”
Above all, her goal remains simple: that each painting offers viewers a quiet moment of encouragement—a gentle reminder that even in life’s stormiest seasons, hope can still be found.
Where to Experience Kendra’s Work
You can experience Kendra Runnels’ work in person at Juelerye | Artisan Gallery & Gifts in downtown Mooresville, located at 112 S. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115.
In addition to the work currently on view in the gallery, you will also have the opportunity to meet Kendra at an upcoming gallery event later this year. Details will be shared soon.
See More of Kendra’s Work:
To explore more of Kendra Runnels’ artwork, visit kendrastudios.com or follow her on Instagram @kendrastudios, where she regularly shares new paintings, works in progress, and upcoming exhibitions.
