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Dead Nettle Field – Plein Air Painting

The sun did not decide to come out today, but the purple in the field far in the distance was screaming for it to have its portrait painted.

My sketchy sketch to work out the composition. Let’s paint!

Look who stopped by to see how the painting is going!!!! Rachel S. Wirrig just happened to spot me on her way to see mom and dad!

Was so excited to see Rachel, forgot to share my underpainting. I work the values and composition out before adding color.

Wanted to acknowledge that this painting spot was created on a sacred space. according to this memorial: 3 years ago, a 4 year old child named Parker passed away here. I held Parker and his family in my heart while creating this one.

The finished painting!!!!! I really enjoyed this one. Even on a grey day, there is beauty and color to be found–if you look for it 

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Old Washington stream -plein air painting

We had a lot of rain today, but I think it’s over for now.

This little stream in Old Washington captured my imagination.

our sketch…PAINT TIME!!!

Well, the radar lied…we had more rain. Had to duck under the neighbors porch until it went back to a drizzle. Good thing oil and water don’t mix!

Sorry i didn’t make more progress photos, but I did finish–in spite of getting rained on. Hopefully this comes across as the colors of spring–just getting ready to pop after a grey and rainy day.

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Federal Hill Plein Air Painting

What should I paint today?

It’s cloudy and might rain, so I’m picking a view in my backyard, just a few feet from my house.

Got my composition worked out in a sketchy sketch. Let’s paint before the rain gets here!

Doesn’t look like much, but I’m establishing the lights and darks-as well as getting the composition on the board.

ok boys and girls! Sorry i didn’t get to take more photos while working. When I concentrate, I forget. Here’s today’s grey day painting:

Federal Hill – Grey Day 5 March 2024

Oil on board

6×12″

Painted from direct observation: no photos or technology.

Thanks all for joining me and all the encouragement…that was FUN!!! Have a great day!

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Pendleton Neighborhood Plein Air Painting

Painting the view from the museum. Working from direct observation–no photos or technology. Photo included to give YOU an idea of what my subject was: the Pendleton Neighborhood!!!

If you think I make this look easy, trust me, I shed a LOT of tears trying to get this painting to behave–very busy, and the light changed constantly.

Oil on board

11×14″

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New Paintings – February 2024

I’m excited to share my 3 newest paintings with you!

They are all mini size 6×4.5″ and would be perfect for cheering up a little space around your home or work space.

Click any of the images for more information

folk art style painting of an opossum playing a fiddle

Opossum Serenade

folk art abstract style painting of a pig in a cornfield

Pig In Cornfield

folk art abstract style acrylic painting of a pig making pottery on the wheel

Pottery Makes Me Happy As A Pig In Mud

Hope you all have a great week!!!

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New Paintings – January

Hi All!

I spent a lot of November and December making pottery (perfect art for holiday gifts).
Now i’m dusting my paint brushes off and getting back on the easel. To warm up, I made these fun little gems. Not very big, but they are guaranteed to brighten up and bring cheer to any gloomy little spot in your art collection.

click any of the images for more information

folk art abstract style painting of a cat playing the guitar
abstract folk art style painting of a fox
folk art style painting of a cat eating cereal

All these original paintings are framed in a handmade black wood frame.

abstract folk art style painting of a weiner dog drinking coffee
folk art style abstract painting of a chicken with a coffee cup
Folk Art style abstract painting of a cat standing on a tuna can
folk art abstract style painting of an opossum playing a guita

I also have notecards available for those of you who’d like to support my work and mail some happy art to one of your friends.
Thanks all for your support!
Ken

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New Pottery for 2024

Hope you all are enjoying a new year with new creative possibilities!

I just opened my kiln to reveal some of my first porcelain cups of 2024. Many of the designs from this group are inspired by my new color (green) along with a heartfelt wish for us all to have good luck in 2024.

  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is green with a goat, four leaf clovers and the year 2024
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is green with a bear holding a heart
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is green with horses running around four leaf clovers
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is green with a rabbit and 4 leaf clovers
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is green flowers and a saying ' grow through what you go through'
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is olive with horses running around a house
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is olive with a rabbit and flowers
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is blue with deer and a house
  • handmade porcelain cup by kentucky artist ken swinson. surface design is blue with a cow and chickens

These cups are all thrown on a wheel with hand carved designs and food/microwave safe porcelain, priced at $50 each. Unfortunately these unique pieces are available by in-person sales only.

If you are interested in seeing these (and more) in person, they will be on display from 5-9 on January 27 at the Pendleton Art Center in studio 400. If you are in the Maysville, ky area, you are welcome to get a sneak peek at my studio in Old Washington. Reach out to me to make an appointment.

One of my 2024 goals is to spend more time on my own personal website (and less on social media). If you’d like to help, you can click the button below and leave a comment. I promise to reply!
Here’s to a great 2024!!!
Thanks again
Ken

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Kiln Opening – 27 Dec 2023

I opened my kiln yesterday, and made this super short animated video to celebrating the event!

Click above to watch

Since Dec 15th, I’ve been logged out of social media. I miss my friends, but the break has been really good for me. If you want to say hi, please don’t be shy about using the comment button below, I’m starving to hear from you all and promise to reply!

Looking forward to a creative 2024!!!

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New Pottery – Porcelain!! 17 October 2023

After working in stoneware for almost a year, I decided to switch back to PORCELAIN. It’s a luxurious and translucent clay, and the black and white carving technique displays really nice with my printmaking.

Here is my first mini-batch of porcelain cups
Swipe or use arrows to see them all

  • porcelain cup decorated with chickens drinking coffee
  • handmade porcelain cup with opossums holding coffee cups
  • handmade porcelain cup with border collie and sheep decorations
  • handmade porcelain cup decorated with opossums and acorns
  • porcelain cup with cat and bird decorations
  • porcelain cup with border collie and sheep decorations
  • porcelain cup with pig and corn decorations handmade
  • handmade porcelain cup decorated with border collie running with sheep
  • handmade porcelain cup decorated with opossums and acorns

I don’t sell pottery online, but you can see these (and more!) Friday the 27 at the Pendleton Art Center
Hope to see you there!