Merrimon Kennedy
Looking for a dramatic change after a lengthy absence from my painting practice, I moved to northern New Mexico in 2015 from the East Coast. The incredible vistas from my rural home near Santa Fe enticed me to try painting outdoors on location, or “plein air.” This intense experience of working outdoors for almost eight years, all weather conditions, gave me a tremendous appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Southwest. Though now I am spending most of my days in the studio, all my current work is informed by that time and experience. My non-representational works are most often unplanned and intuitive. These pieces evolve slowly and are built up from many layers added and removed or obscured. There is a history to the surface; frequently earlier layers read thru the most recent. I am intrigued with surface textures and mark making techniques, using various abrasives to scrape, scratch and alter surfaces. I want the viewer to feel movement and energy in my work.
Abiquiu Morning - Acrylic - 8x10"
Balancing Act - Mixed Media - 12x12"
Blue Rhapsody - Mixed Media - 12x12"
Chollas In Bloom - Oil - 14x10"
Flow - Mixed Media - 34x34"
Late Summer Sangres Mountain Study - Oil - 8x10"
Twilight In The Canyon - Mixed Media - 10x8"
Cascade - Mixed Media - 34x34"