Kenn Backhaus
Visit Backhaus's website:
http://www.kennbackhaus.com

Kenn was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and spent much of his childhood on the family farm near Burnett, Wisconsin.  His fondness for nature became the catalyst for his art.  Kenn’s parents encouraged his artistic education.  Kenn attended Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a commercial designer and illustrator, Kenn received many awards at both local and national levels, which included acceptance in the Annual Society of Illustrators Show in New York.  Although Kenn took pride in his commercial successes, his heart always belonged to the fine art of outdoor painting.

 

With his developing interest in the historic traditions of plein air painting, Kenn decided in 1984, to devote more time to his passion for painting and the love of the outdoors.  He found that capturing true color, value, atmosphere and the mood of a subject was best done on location or through direct observation.  He has also discovered the importance of his studio time in union with his outdoor experiences and enjoys the challenges of both. His passion for painting has broadened his subject matter to include not only landscape, but also figurative, portrait, still life and nature.

 

Kenn’s works have been juried into many shows across the country and his paintings have been honored with numerous awards and distinctions.  He was one of fifty artists selected from across the country to participate in a traveling museum show titled, From Sea to Shining Sea - A Reflection of America.   Kenn was also filmed painting in Alaska as part of a PBS series entitled, “Plein Air, Painting the American Landscape”.  For more information on this series you can check out his website.

    

Kenn is a Signature Member of both the Oil Painters of America and the Plein-Air Painters of America (PAPA).  He also served as President of the Plein-Air Painters of America from the year 2000 through 2001.