Kens paintings
are wonderfully colorful and dynamic representations of the world
around us. Inspired by just about everything, Ken paints subjects
ranging from landscape to floral to figure with a unique quality
all their own.
Born and raised in Michigan,
Ken showed exceptional artistic talent at a very early age. As
a boy, he often immersed himself in drawing in order to escape
from the pressures of life. After exploring reasonable career
options and a short stint in business school Ken realized that
art was the only career that gave him meaning. As a result, Ken
dropped out of business school and enrolled at Kendall College
of Art and Design, an exclusive private college in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, where he received a bachelors degree in fine
art. While in attendance at Kendall, he was also invited to study
at the Royal College of Arts in London. In London, he found the
direction he wanted to take his art. Struck by the pure and simple
beauty of representational impressionism, he immediately knew
that was the style he wanted to pursue.
After graduating from
college with honors, Ken moved to Chicago where he attended the
Palette and Chisel Academy in order to further his understanding
of impressionism. Shortly after arrival, Ken was discovered by
a respectable Chicago Gallery and so began his professional career.
Absorbing as much as he could from the Palette and Chisel he
continued on to the Loveland Academy of Fine Art in Colorado
where he had a rare opportunity to study with the renowned master
Richard Schmid who helped him put the final touches on his education.
As Ken built his professional
career many people began to take notice including galleries,
magazines, and jurors. His work has been seen in many magazines
and his paintings can be found in galleries across the country.
Ken has participated in several prestigious shows such as the
Arts for the Parks, Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist
Society, and Portrait Society of America, receiving awards in
all. In addition, Ken is an active member of the local and national
art community. He is a member of Grand Valley Artists in Grand
Rapids, Michigan, master signature member of Oil Painters of
America, and a signature member of the American Impressionist
Society. Ken also served on the board of Oil Painters of America
and was president from 2014-2016 volunteering his time to help
other artists attain their dreams. An adventurer at heart Ken
has traveled around the world often living in other countries
for extended periods of time painting the people, places, and
things that most interest him.
Kens paintings
are a strong combination of color and design. He has derived
his style from the influence of painters whom he admires, masters
he has worked with, and an unmistakable element that comes from
deep within. Ken strives to convey his vision to the viewer,
inviting them to share the sheer wonder he experiences while
painting.
EDUCATION
Kendall College of Art
& Design ~ BFA
Grand Rapids, Michigan 1996
Royal College of Art,
London, England 1994.
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