Art & Life with Kenneth Ferguson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Ferguson.

Kenneth, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in the Chicago area and had an early interest in military history and art. In college, I decided to pass on the more practical business degree and focus on a BFA in illustration. I’ve been able to combine these two lifelong interests by portraying historical subject matter in my paintings.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Watercolor has been my preferred medium for more than 30 years. Early in my career, I began pushing the medium beyond the typical spontaneous, wet-on-wet approach in order to develop my own unique style. By using multiple overlays of controlled washes, combined with dry brush and splatter, my paintings offer a distinctive approach that brings out a richness in color and permits a high level of detail. Most of my paintings focus on historical subject matter. I find portraying things of the past in a contemporary way brings that history to life and can tell a story far better than just words alone.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I’ve been a working artist since 1982 when I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.F.A. in Illustration and went out on my own as a fine artist. I’ve seen many changes in the art market over the years. Collector tastes, new mediums and new approaches to old mediums and an unpredictable economy are just a few of the things that have tested my mettle.

It can be a challenge to stay attuned to a constantly evolving art world, keep the work fresh and be nimble enough to incorporate the little changes that can be the difference between making a living or not making a living as an artist. Most of the time, I feel like I do the nimble thing pretty well; sometimes it gets away from me. But there is one principle that always gives me peace of mind: I paint what I like and try to sell it instead of painting what sells and trying to like it. By having my heart and soul in the work and keeping an open eye and mind to the world around me, I’ve been able to navigate both the good times and (as Thomas Paine would say) the times that try men’s souls.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
This fall, I’ll be participating in the Sonoran Arts League Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour, which takes place November 16-18 and November 23-25. I’ll be in the Toni Perrin Studio #9 in Carefree.

I’ll be participating in the Celebration of Fine Art this winter in Scottsdale, AZ. It’s a long-standing show which runs from January 12 thru March 24, 2019, http://celebrateart.com/. Throughout the year, my paintings are available on my website and through my by-appointment-only studio in Phoenix, AZ. How can people support your work? – By buying it! Also, word of mouth is great. But I’m not a fan of Pinterest.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kennethfergusonfineart.com
• Phone: 262 374-2984
• Email: www.fergusonfineart@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Kenneth Ferguson

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.