Ken Marsden Art

"Three Sisters" I have been trying extra hard to simplify my paintings. When I show this painting to visitors to our home and then ask them to look across to the woods in front of the house they cant even find the three trees that inspired this painting.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

Thanks to all that attended our Open House event at East Ludington Gallery this weekend! I trust that those more distant will check out my new web site, www.kenmarsden.com.

Thanks!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

"Failing Light"

I watched an artist on TV paint a rose. During the chit chat that goes along with those TV demonstrations the artist commented that "you don't have to paint exactly what is there. Try to paint the most beautiful rose there ever was." I tend to paint florals (and other subjects) that aren't necessarily the "prettiest." Just like with people, the ones that show the wear and tear of life are usually more interesting. I also usually don't paint flowers stuffed into a vase but there have been exceptions. The idea of painting them alive and free to bob in the wind is more appealing.

P.S. Take a look at my redo of www.kenmarsden.com

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

"Opposite Points of View"

I think many artists enjoy the act of painting or sculpting or whatever it is they do to create. Afterwards we may feel good when we receive a compliment or recognition of our work but to me it is a different feeling than the one I get while actually doing the work. Too much of the one can cause me trouble, to get a swelled head which interferes with the next painting.

Recently I received compliments from the owners of paintings I did over 25 years ago. Perhaps because of the separation in time it gave me a good feeling without messing with my thoughts about my current work. It felt good to know people were getting pleasure from something I painted many years ago.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

I just finished a portrait of my neighbor and her daughter...thought I'd share it.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

"Mates"

My studio overlooks the water here on the Bay of Green Bay. I can hear the shotguns booming away steadily throughout the day. Yet the ducks, geese and seagulls still hug our shoreline. Lately we have been blessed with a flock of Tundra Swans. They swim so effortlessly back and forth just a few yards from shore, stopping occasionally to tip over and feed, with their rear ends pointing skyward. Meanwhile, closer to the studio, Chicadees keep chattering as they make their constant back and forth trips to our many feeders. Years ago we had a notion to sell this place. Now I wonder what could I have been thinking?

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

...another image forgotten and then found during my recent attempts to straighten up my studio. Alexys and Alyssa Christian (Grandaughters) posed for this. A librarian commissioned the painting and gave me considerable freedom in choice of composition. That is always appreciated. I shudder when a patron says "I know exactly what I want."

Ken