I had a great week of painting! 2D work uses a different part of my brain. I’m combining printmaking, painting and drawing–along with some of the layered surface design ideas that I recently learned from Adero Willard at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

This week’s paintings depict two of my favorite themes: Flying Pigs and Chickens in a tree at night.
Prints AND THE ORIGINALS(update: originals no longer available) are available if you would like to add one of these to your art collection.
Thank you all for your support!

Since the pandemic, I’ve spent a lot of time working in the clay studio. I love making pots, but the weather is changing, and I’m ready to exercise a different creative part of my brain.

I love to learn and grow through my art. After a couple of years of intensive study and practice in clay, I’m still me, but it’s also made me a new and different artist. I don’t want to go back to painting the way I did 2-3 years ago. I’m excited because I can feel a new way of thinking and creating in my brain, heart and soul. I want to build on what I’ve learned, but also go somewhere I’ve never been before with painting.

These two paintings are the beginning (prints and the originals are available!) . Stay tuned to see where this takes us!!!

UPDATE: The originals are no longer available. Thank you for your support!!!

Today’s challenge at the Old Washington wednesday paint group was a bright turquoise pot with yellow marigolds. Here is my underpainting

Starting to add some color to the painting. Yellow and green flowers have been a challenge for me in the past. I’m going to try to keep all the colors, except yellow, toned down, so the yellow pops.

I have color in place. I’m floundering at this point–i haven’t used any cuss words, but the flowers are little yellow ‘monsters’

That’s a wrap! Like I said before, yellow/green floral combinations can be tricky for me, but I’m happy with how this one came out.

Me, the artist, at work! Cameras are a great tool, but sometimes it’s nice to put the technology away and work completely from direct observation…no cameras (or apps). Working directly from life is a great way to experience a subject!

a close up of the finished painting. the colors shine even better in real life–cameras just aren’t the same as experiencing a painting in real life.  

oil on board
12″x16″

It’s been awhile since I’ve painted from life (direct observation-no photos).

I had a wonderful time painting with Old Washington’s Wednesday paint group.

Flower painting is NOT as easy as you might think (at least not for me). Flowers can be mean, horrible monsters as models…with their seemingly simple and dainty translucent petals.

It was fun! I got to visit with friends and I’m happy with the painting. Thank you Vicki Tichenor for the photo of me at the easel!

See you next wednesday!

This is one of my go to locations for when I’m in the mood for a wide city view from a distance. I have my sketch, let’s set the easel up and start painting!

Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to dust my rusty trusty paint box off and paint outdoors (like Monet and the other french impressionists)! I had a rough start (spilled my solvent and had to go home for more) but in the end, I got a finished painting that I’m happy with. I painted different views of this corner (Warner Lane) in Old Washington last year. This year, I wanted to paint the view from the highway. it’s only possible when the trees are sleeping and don’t have any leaves.

I had so much fun, I’m going to go out and try to get another painting today. Can you guess where I’ll go? Stay tuned to find out!

Earlier this summer, I needed a change of scenery, so

I packed my paints and went out WEST

On this trip, I followed the tradition of Plein Air painting

First made famous by the French Impressionists of the 1800s.  Instead of working inside a studio, these paintings were painted outdoors; directly from life.  My ‘studio’ was the wide open spaces of the west.  I did not touch up the paintings afterwards, nor did I use cameras or any other digital tools.  Every stroke of paint was created while standing outside in front of the subject of the painting.  It’s all about capturing the essence of the moment.

My dream was to hang these together in a group

then invite you all to come see them in person at my studio in Cincinnati. I’m still going to do that, but I want everyone to stay safe during the pandemic, instead of one big opening I’m going to give you the first look through this email. 

Art online is nice, but it’s 1000% better in person

If you are willing to wear a mask and comfortable visiting an indoor public space, I would still love to invite you to my studio at the Pendleton Art Center in Cincinnati.  You can see this series AND another series of more abstract and whimsical style paintings IN PERSON on Tuesday and Thursday from 11-7pm the 21st and 23rd of September.  To avoid crowds, appointments are preferred. You can email to make a reservation, or call/text me at 859.652.3136.

If you were waiting for more abstract, colorful studio paintings,

make sure you have subscribed to my email newsletter and keep an eye on your inbox, I’m working on an email sneak peek: a series of completely different style (and new!) studio paintings. They are in a more colorful, abstract, and whimsical style you may be familiar with.  If you want first ‘dibs’ the email will come out later this week.   

Thanks again for your interest/support of my work. Hope to see you in person soon. Stay safe out there!
Ken

Want to add this original painting to you art collection? Click below for more information.