"We had enjoyed spectacular scenery in Europe and North Africa, and I had tried to capture it from time to time with watercolors—with little success. After moving to Oakdale, close to both the Sierras and the Pacific, I was again inspired to paint," Ken said.
"Thanks to community college classes, art workshops and publications, I have grown in my skills. Especially influential in the process has been Dan Peterson (Modesto) and Tom Herbert (Phoenix). Art demonstrations (online and on DVD) and a critique group in Sonora, CA have also been helpful."
Ken said that the creation of a painting might begin as he is struck by the drama of an Arizona thunderstorm, the subtle oranges of a Big Sur sunset, or by some dilapidated Model T.
"While at the scene, I note the elements and impressions I would like to retain by taking photos and/or making sketches. Most of my work is then done in my small backyard studio.
"One process of watermedia I enjoy is that of making a monoprint, i.e., pressing a hard-surfaced paper onto randomly arranged colors. I use various techniques that often produce dramatic random shapes with beautiful colors. Then, by addition and subtraction of line and color, I develop a composition--based on what I see before me."
Ken's other approach to watercolors is more traditional—using Arches 140 and 300 cold-pressed paper with mostly Daniel Smith and Winston & Newton watercolors.
"I particularly enjoy painting wet-in-wet allowing the colors to mix on the paper. The results and textures can be very satisfying – including those unforeseen happy accidents.”
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