Ken
C. Hamilton
Regardless
of the subject, Ken finds it is how he reacts to its' mood and figure
that defines his approach to a painting. Although his compositions are
carefully planned, he is willing to change course and "let things
happen", allowing intuition guide the work. Some of his most satisfying
works develop from "happy accidents". Growing up in Spokane,
Washington, he spent many an hour looking over his father's shoulder,
an accomplished artist. "Everyone we knew had a painting of his
on their wall."
Ken's talent for drawing was apparent at an early age, being offered his first commission at age 12 when a friend paid him 40 cents to paint the sea battle "Monitor and the Merrimac". The friend's mother was surprised that Ken would actually charge her son for the painting! Following high school, Ken first attended Spokane Falls College and received a three year Professional Art Diploma. The paintings of guest speaker, prolific artist Dick Brown, left a lasting impression motivating Ken to seek further studies. He then made the move to Seattle, enrolling in The New School of Visual Concepts. It was here where he delved more deeply into the study of composition and spontaneous figure drawing emphasizing figure attitude.
Encouraged by his instructors, in 1978 he moved to New York beginning as a freelance illustrator. He worked with a long list of publishers being accepted numerous times in the Society of Illustrators National Exhibition. Taking advantage of New York's talent pool he continued his studies at The Student Art League, The School of Visual Arts and privately with Daniel Schwartz and in the last ten years has followed his primary passion for fine art painting. Currently residing in West Orange, New Jersey, Mr. Hamilton is an active member of the Art Centre of New Jersey and 1st Vice President of the New Jersey Watercolor Society. His work has appeared widely in juried gallery and museum exhibitions winning numerous awards and honors. Many private as well as corporate collections across the country have acquired his fine paintings.