Ken DeWaard

Ken has been painting in plein air for almost 3 decades. He has participated and won many awards around the country; Forgotten Coast Florida, Cape Ann MA, Booth Bay ME, Plein Air Easton MD, & Door County WI. For Ken there is nothing more rewarding and challenging than painting under an open sky, surrounded by the scents and sounds of nature, along with its ever changing color and harmonies to excite one’s creativity. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts with honors, Ken began working in a commercial art studio in Chicago. He continued his studies at the American Academy of Art, where he studied with nationally recognized watercolorist, Irving Shapiro. Upon Irving’s recommendation Ken joined the acclaimed Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art in Chicago, where he soon began studying with Scott Burdick as well as Dan Gerhartz. It is here that Ken adapted his direct and pure approach as well as his bravura brush style, which he achieves by painting directly from life. Strongly inspired by John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, William Wendt, Edgar Payne, Nicolai Fechin, and the Russian Impressionists, Ken finds himself painting an array of subject matter from everyday life. The feelings Ken evokes in his paintings are due in part to the excitement and passion he feels while capturing the fleeting effects of light, or the wonderful color nuances and harmonies presented by nature and all of her beauty. Ken continues to travel throughout the United States as well as Italy and China. He has won numerous awards around the country in many of the top Plein Air Competitions including the coveted Artist Choice awards, Best of Show, along with a host of various other awards. He has spent many a summer day painting the Italian hillsides, American vistas, and beauty wherever it finds him. This has always been a contributing factor in his work, insight, and inspiration and growth as an artist. After spending the last 14 years in the Driftless area of Wisconsin, Ken has recently moved to Maine. After much thought and consideration he and his wife along with their 4 young children decided on Hope ME, which is a neighboring town to Camden, mid coast Maine which is also where the Mountains Meet the Sea. The area is absolutely gorgeous and full of inspiration, so much to paint!