Episode 67: Conversation with artist Kenneth Hershenson

Artist Kenneth Hershenson found his muse in a set of ball and jacks that qualifies him to say, he does know Jack! So much so that he feels he has enough conceptual ideas to keep him painting for another 20 paintings or so. In this episode we hear the many twists and turns he took in his career. Those bends taught him lots about the business of art as well as honed a work ethic that values clean and concise professionalism combined with a communication style that is natural to teach other artists. He will be announcing summer workshops in painting with acrylics, in particular, slow drying acrylics. Kenneth Hershenson is a contemporary fine artist who creates photorealistic acrylic paintings. He has been painting and drawing for over 50 years. The majority of those years were spent teaching himself how to paint and draw and taking workshops from some notable West Coast artists: Eric Weigardt and Lee Wexler (watercolor), Butch Krieger (life drawing), Ned Mueller (portraiture and gouache), and Ann Kullberg and Gary Greene (colored pencil). Kenneth’s artistic approach is rooted in the twin disciplines of realism and illustration. Architectural design and illustration are the basis of much of his professional life, which included serving as an architectural designer with Disneyland and designing Japan stores for Starbucks while living in Seattle. His art influences include 17th century Flemish realists, the creativity and surrealistic styles of Dali and Magritte as well as the craftsmanship and humor of early Donald Roller Wilson. Kenneth has participated in many juried art shows and has won a number of awards in watercolor, drawing and painting. His acrylic painting A Pair of Jacks has won several People’s Choice Awards and a Best in Show Award. It also won an Honorable Mention in the December 2015 issue of The Artist’s Magazine. His most recent painting, Pepper Jack Cheese, won the People's Choice Award  in the 2023 Richeson75 International Still Life & Floral Competition. The first 5 paintings in the “I DO Know Jack!” series was in the final Top 25 Public Vote (out of nearly 1,000 entries) in ArtPrize 7, the largest international art competition and exhibition. Kenneth is a member of the National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society and the International Guild of Realism. He also teaches acrylic painting at the Atelier School of Art in Royal Oak, Michigan.  Follow Kenneth on Instagram to learn the latest news on his classes, workshops, exhibits, and awards. Show notes: Kenneth Hershenson's Website Kenneth Hershenson's Instagram International Guild of Realism National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Thank you to our sponsor: Golden Apple Studio and Residency