Artist of the Month: Jean Kennedy

Jean V. Kennedy
Biography.

I was born and raised in England and came to the U.S. as a young woman in the mid 1960s. I worked for Colombia University in New York as a research administrator for many years before moving to southeast Louisiana with my husband. I now live in Gilford, NH.

As a beginning artist I was told to "paint what you love" as your work reflects your passion. I love flowers and birds and many of my paintings are of nature.

Watercolor was the first medium I learned. Some of my work reflects the use of a negative painting technique called "painting outside the lines." Painting using this technique means one has no preconceived notion of the end result; no photograph or scene to copy, only what is visualized and constructed after applying paint to the paper. I find watercolor a fascinating medium to work with because of its fluidity and transparency. I also enjoy using oils and acrylic.

I have taken many workshops from professional artists. I was greatly influenced by a Louisiana art teacher, Myrna Waters, who taught me to push values and how to better use color and shape in a painting.

As an artist I have earned many ribbons and awards for my watercolors by entering competitions both in NH and Louisiana including Best in Show.

I am currently President of the Lakes Region Art Association and a member of the Artists Loft, both local organizations. More of my work can be viewed at www.jeankennedyart.com and at the website hosted by the Lakes Region Art Association under my name for Showcase pages. More pieces of my original artwork are currently on display at VynnArt Gallery in Meredith Falls, Meredith.

I can be reached at jvk2347 [at] gmail.com