Ken C. Hamilton | Fine Artist | Illustrator

ABOUT THE ARTIST

KEN C. HAMILTON'S versatility in watercolor defines his artistry although he has also worked widely in other mediums. “I think it’s just something about the way the pigment interacts on paper that you can’t achieve in any other medium. Informal, yet easily identifiable, it can depict the subject while remaining elusive. I am fascinated with the relationship of portraying the likeness and spirit of the subject while still allowing for the paints’ ability to take on a life of its own.”

Growing up in Spokane, Washington, Ken spent many an hour looking over his father’s shoulder, an accomplished artist who had received a number of commissions. Ken’s talent for drawing was apparent at an early age, being offered his first commission at age 12 when a friend paid him forty cents to paint the sea battle, Monitor and the Merrimac. The friend’s mother was surprised that he 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. It was there where he heard the guest speaker Dick Brown, a prolific artist/illustrator, who made a lasting impression and motivated him to seek further studies. Ken then made the move to Seattle and enrolled in The New School of Visual Concepts where Dick Brown was Director. As he delved more deeply into his studies, Ken recognized increased confidence develop as he learned to draw more spontaneously and the enthusiasm derived from learning to interpret and emphasize strong figurative gesture. It became more than just accurate drawing. Taught by practicing professionals, the energetic and creative environment, in addition, provided a sense of family as he was also invited into their homes.

Encouraged by his instructors, in 1978, Ken moved to New York as a freelance illustrator. His classes arranged a going away party for him before setting off, a day that would be among his most heartfelt occasions.

With Ken’s ardent interest in observing people, he developed the habit of carrying a sketch book everywhere he went, drawing on the spot. This proved invaluable to his work. He also continued to paint from a model on a regular basis. His painterly style lent itself to editorial realism, which was better suited for hard cover rather than mass market. As more detail was expected Ken felt that some spontaneity was lost. He was offered work with a number of publishers and other clients appearing many times in the Society of Illustrators National Exhibition.

In another area almost invisible to the field of illustration and a world unto itself, Ken further augmented his profession by doing a considerable amount of comp and storyboard artwork for advertising agencies. Here he was able to take some freedom experimenting with drawing and rendering approaches depending on the product. He was sought after by art directors at many of the major advertising agencies on a wide range of accounts.

Halfway into his career, Ken yearned for more self-expression and pursued his fine art enrolling in classes at the School of Visual Arts. He also studied figurative and portrait painting through the keen eye of contemporary realist Daniel Schwartz in private classes at his studio. Since the late 90’s, he has followed his passion for painting both in the studio and often on location.

Ken’s landscape painting expresses an affinity for subjects offering serenity and a meditative aspect near water and themes of forgotten lifestyles. Among his favorite areas are Cape Cod and along the Delaware River. The art itself can be viewed more as a beautiful product of a greater journey of one's growth through seeing, interpreting and experiencing the world.

Currently residing in West Orange, New Jersey, Ken Hamilton is an elected member of the New Jersey Water Color Society, the American Artist Professional League, a signature member of the Hudson Valley Art Association and the National Watercolor Society. His work has appeared widely in juried exhibitions winning numerous awards, including tributes at the Salmagundi Club with the Thomas Moran Memorial Award. He is a former president of the New Jersey Water Color Society as well as recipient of its' Silver Medal of Honor. Ken was selected to be among thirty artists to present in the prestigious National Watercolor Society traveling show which toured in the United States for twelve months. By special invitation he showed at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao and the Qingdao International Watercolor Exhibitions in China, as well as the honor to have the Qingdao Art Museum purchase a painting for their permanent collection. He was chosen with noted artists to be featured in Ashley Rooney's coffee table book publication, "100 Mid-Atlantic Artist". His prize winning paintings are included in both private and corporate collections across the country.