Biography

Ken’s 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 bachelor’s 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 many 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.

Ken’s 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.