Kenneth Cadwallader's artistic ability was something of a novelty when he was a boy-amazing but impractical. Without direct encouragement, he abandoned a serious pursuit of art in favor of a more traditional career path. However, after a brief stint in sales, Cadwallader began to reconsider and eventually enrolled at Kendall college of Art and Design in Grand Rapids.
Initially, he wanted to receive formal training in illustration, which seamed to bear the most potential for a career. Sharpening his technical skills, Cadwallader attracted attention almost immediately and received an invitation to study at the auspicious Royal College of Art in London. Once in England, he discovered Impressionism and began to consider new avenues of expression. "I had the opportunity to see some masterpieces, something I didn't get much exposure to in Grand Rapids. I was particularly struck-in fact, blown away-by the work of J.W. Waterhouse. I was in London to study illustration, but I knew almost immediately that my work would take a different direction'" he says.
London whet Cadwallader's appetite for a diverse artistic community, and for that reason he moved to Chicago following graduation. There he had the opportunity to pursue his new found devotion to impressionism at the Pallet and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts. In addition to helping him develop a painting style, the academy introduced Cadwallader to the work of Richard Schmid, a former president of the school.
He was soon appealing to anyone who had been associated with Schmid for information and instruction; in fact several of Schmid's former students were still teaching at the academy, From students and friends of Schmid's Cadwallader gained a deepened appreciation of the artist's style, and in time learned of Schmid's whereabouts. The artist sent Schmid a letter with photos of his own paintings, and to his delight, Schmid's speedy reply contained encouragement and admiration, as well as an invitation to study in Loveland Colorado. With the support of his wife, Krista, Cadwallader packed up his belongings and moved there.
In retrospect, Cadwallader values his studies at the Pallet and Chisel Academy and there effect on his technical skill and style. He feels, however, that his aptitude for personal expression made the greatest strides under the instruction of Schmid and Schmid's wife ,Nancy Guzik, at the Loveland Academy of Fine Arts in Colorado. Watching Schmid gave Cadwallader invaluable insight into color, values and refined his technique. Better yet, Schmid allowed the young artist to develop on his own terms. "His critiques never commented on my style, except to help me find my own. He was very careful not to influence me in this respect," Cadwallader says. Nonetheless, he admits, traces of Schmid's influence are found throughout much of his work.
Initially, he wanted to receive formal training in illustration, which seamed to bear the most potential for a career. Sharpening his technical skills, Cadwallader attracted attention almost immediately and received an invitation to study at the auspicious Royal College of Art in London. Once in England, he discovered Impressionism and began to consider new avenues of expression. "I had the opportunity to see some masterpieces, something I didn't get much exposure to in Grand Rapids. I was particularly struck-in fact, blown away-by the work of J.W. Waterhouse. I was in London to study illustration, but I knew almost immediately that my work would take a different direction'" he says.
London whet Cadwallader's appetite for a diverse artistic community, and for that reason he moved to Chicago following graduation. There he had the opportunity to pursue his new found devotion to impressionism at the Pallet and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts. In addition to helping him develop a painting style, the academy introduced Cadwallader to the work of Richard Schmid, a former president of the school.
He was soon appealing to anyone who had been associated with Schmid for information and instruction; in fact several of Schmid's former students were still teaching at the academy, From students and friends of Schmid's Cadwallader gained a deepened appreciation of the artist's style, and in time learned of Schmid's whereabouts. The artist sent Schmid a letter with photos of his own paintings, and to his delight, Schmid's speedy reply contained encouragement and admiration, as well as an invitation to study in Loveland Colorado. With the support of his wife, Krista, Cadwallader packed up his belongings and moved there.
In retrospect, Cadwallader values his studies at the Pallet and Chisel Academy and there effect on his technical skill and style. He feels, however, that his aptitude for personal expression made the greatest strides under the instruction of Schmid and Schmid's wife ,Nancy Guzik, at the Loveland Academy of Fine Arts in Colorado. Watching Schmid gave Cadwallader invaluable insight into color, values and refined his technique. Better yet, Schmid allowed the young artist to develop on his own terms. "His critiques never commented on my style, except to help me find my own. He was very careful not to influence me in this respect," Cadwallader says. Nonetheless, he admits, traces of Schmid's influence are found throughout much of his work.
Cadwallader continued to paint along side Schmid for nearly a year. In that time, he developed a newer, more mature method, one he believes is best seen in Bovine Beauties. "I used to paint anything and everything I saw," the artist says. "For this piece, though, I walked by these cows everyday for six months waiting for the light to show me what I wanted to see. The image was clear in my mind, and I sought it out."
Recently, the artist has taken his new style to southwest Michigan in search of fresh subject matter. Espousing an unaffected philosophy, Cadwallader insists, "I paint because I enjoy it. Though it can be difficult at times, it's really quit easy to do something you love."
Cadwallader has been painting professionally for four years and is affiliated with The Meyer Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Hildt Galleries in Chicago; Gallery East in Loveland, Colorado; and You'nique International in Douglas, Michigan.
Recently, the artist has taken his new style to southwest Michigan in search of fresh subject matter. Espousing an unaffected philosophy, Cadwallader insists, "I paint because I enjoy it. Though it can be difficult at times, it's really quit easy to do something you love."
Cadwallader has been painting professionally for four years and is affiliated with The Meyer Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Hildt Galleries in Chicago; Gallery East in Loveland, Colorado; and You'nique International in Douglas, Michigan.
(Article was edited for content.)
