We are pleased to announce our Paint Grand Traverse 2022 Awards Juror, Ken Cadwallader (OPAM, AIS). Ken is based in Grand Rapids, MI, and will select the winning pieces at both our Collectors Gala finale event on August 19, and the Quick Paint Competition on August 20. Ken is also tentatively scheduled to give a live painting demo on Thursday, August 18.
Ken Cadwallader's paintings are wonderfully colorful and dynamic representations of the world around us. Inspired by just about everything, Ken paints subjects ranging from landscape to floral to figure with a unique quality all their own.
Born and raised in Michigan, Ken studied at the Kendall College of Art and Design, and the Royal College of Arts in London.
After graduating from college with honors, Ken moved to Chicago where he attended the Palette and Chisel Academy in order to further his understanding of impressionism. Shortly after arrival, Ken was discovered by a respectable Chicago gallery, and so began his professional career. Absorbing as much as he could from the Palette and Chisel, he continued on to the Loveland Academy of Fine Art in Colorado where he had a rare opportunity to study with the renowned master Richard Schmid who helped him put the final touches on his education.
As a professional artist, Ken has participated in many prestigious shows, such as the Arts for the Parks, Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, and Portrait Society of America, receiving awards in all.
He is a member of Grand Valley Artists in Grand Rapids, Michigan, master signature member of Oil Painters of America, and a signature member of the American Impressionist Society. Ken also served on the board of Oil Painters of America and was president of Oil Painters of America from 2014-2016, volunteering his time to help other artists attain their dreams. An adventurer at heart Ken has traveled around the world often living in other countries for extended periods of time painting the people, places, and things that most interest him.
Ken’s paintings are a strong combination of color and design. He has derived his style from the influence of painters whom he admires, masters he has worked with, and an unmistakable element that comes from deep within. Ken strives to convey his vision to the viewer, inviting them to share the sheer wonder he experiences while painting.
