Steve Kennedy’s Open Studio Reception

You are cordially invited to Steve Kennedy’s Open Studio Reception
Sunday, November 13 from 3 to 5
35A Brittany’s Way, Unit 3
Eastham
RSVP by November 9 to helen@addisonart.com

Steve Kennedy works in the plein air tradition. In all seasons, his commitment to plein air painting takes him outside for direct observation of his subjects. He refers to his style as painterly realism, and says, “I consistently find myself drawn to scenes with strong patterns of light and shadow. Even the most mundane views can be extraordinary in the right circumstances.” His paintings are usually completed in a single session. Larger paintings take more time, sometimes more than six sessions. Kennedy also works in his studio. Indoor paintings are done from photographs, sketches and field notes. The studio affords him the opportunity to capture fleeting effects of light not easily painted on location.

Kennedy’s subjects usually include the older, time-worn elements of the New England area where he’s lived all his life – classic period buildings, rusty fishing boats and quiet streets at twilight. Kennedy favors early morning and late afternoon light, when the sunlight is stronger and long shadows deepen a mood. He cites Edward Hopper as primary influence. He relates to Hopper’s statement, “What I wanted to do was paint sunlight on the side of a house.”

Kennedy grew up in Central Connecticut. He spent summers with his family in South Portland, Maine, where he was greatly impressed with the port city’s then largely abandoned waterfront. It was here his love for things of the sea took root. Upon graduation from the Paier College of Art (New Haven, CT) in 1981, Kennedy moved to Cape Cod and began focusing more on traditional plein air painting, working outdoors year round. His use of color complements his interest in light and shadow. As an artist, he has drawn inspiration from the rooftops of Provincetown, the harbor and streets of Gloucester, the catboats of Wellfleet, and views around New Bedford and Portland, Maine. He’s also roamed farther afield and painted in rural locations such as Nova Scotia and Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy.

Kennedy has lived on Cape Cod for over 30 years. His work is in many public and private collections, including the permanent collection of the Cape Cod Museum of Art (Dennis, MA), Cahoon Museum of Art (Falmouth), New Haven Paint and Clay Club (New Haven, CT), Albany Institute of History and Art, (NY) the Key Bank and People’s Heritage Bank (former names, both in Maine), and Cape Cod’s oldest bank, Seamen’s Bank. He has won awards at the Salmagundi Club in NYC, North Shore Arts Association in Gloucester MA, Gallery at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT, Cape Cod Art Association in Barnstable MA, and other locations. He is also an admired painting instructor.