Featured Artist Ira Kennedy

Inspired by Aboriginal art, painter Ira Kennedy presents a vibrantly colorful nature-themed portfolio. Learn more about his work by visiting his website.

 

 

Although I am a native Texan, my first exposure to art was as a five-year old, living in Japan from 1946 to 1948. Japanese artifacts were commonplace in our home while I was growing up, and their sense of line and composition have followed me throughout my career which began in earnest as an artist in New York City at age twenty-six.

 

 

Two years later I was included a group show called “The Art of Money” held at Chelsea Gallery in New York City, where I exhibited alongside Andy Warhol and other internationally known artists.

 

 

Arriving at a unique personal vision is the primary task of every artist. This happened to me much later in life when my exposure to Australian Aboriginal Art completely altered my style and technique. Like the Aboriginal artists, I frequently begin a painting using black primer. From there I create a rough sketch with chalk directly on the canvas.

 

 

Once I resolve the general placement of the elements in the composition, I concentrate in finding the movement inherent within the piece as a whole.

 

 

I am fascinated by the alchemy of colors—in particular, the gradations of color achieved through the optical blending of dots.

 

 

Although my paintings begin with brushstrokes they are eventually covered over with dots, and in many cases, dots within dots.

 

 

I don’t paint the color I see, but the color I feel. Not just the shape, but the shape’s meaning and its intent—not just the composition but the harmony within.

 

 

The rhythm of dots throughout the painting create an overall visual field which conveys a sense of wholeness, alive with the movement and the shimmer of life.

 

 

As an award-winning artist, my work has appeared in “Acrylic Works 2,” Acrylic Artist Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine, Quilters World Magazine and the instructional book, “Creating Art Quilts with Panels.”

 

 

My work is held in many private collections from Germany to Australia and from China to England. I support my work primarily through commissions. Additional income is provided through the sale of giclee canvas prints, posters and Northcott fabrics. Gallery representation includes Echo Gallery in Johnson City, Texas, and Calamity & Grace in Llano, Texas.

 

Artist Ira Kennedy invites you to follow him on Facebook.

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Subscribe to our twice-monthly Updates, and get a free e-book on Where to Sell Art Online right now!