James Kenneth Art Studio

My first artwork, created in eighth grade, was called Flat Banana. It was painted on a piece of yellow poster board, and my teacher, Ms. Garceau, was not impressed. I barely passed art that year with a D.

In college, I took an art history course and discovered Impressionism. Van Gogh and Monet quickly became my favorite artists, I even purchased a print of Monet’s Water Lilies at a yard sale. For many years, I felt a desire to be creative but doubted that I had the skills to pursue art myself. That changed three years ago when I attended a paint-and-sip class aboard a cruise ship in Alaska and discovered how much I enjoyed painting.

I continue to draw inspiration from the masters, particularly their use of color and movement to capture an impression of what they observed. I also participate twice a month in a group called Art in Recovery, where I am excited to continue learning and growing as an artist.

Painting helps me relieve stress, improve my well-being, and express myself creatively. I believe that painting is a feeling—the colors often seem to guide me. I enjoy exploring possibilities and asking, “What if?” To me, painting should bring joy to both the creator and the viewer.

I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoyed creating it.

JMcD