He works in oils, concentrating on still-life, quiet studies of fruit, vegetables and flowers in natural light, revealing the extraordinary beauty inherent in familiar items on the table.
Ken approaches the long-standing tradition of still-life painting with a fresh and contemporary eye. The chosen subject of each painting is the sole focus, be it a row of apricots or a spotted jug, the objects themselves are given centre stage. Any hint of time or place is removed, leaving only the subject itself. This creates solitude and a sense of quiet in each piece, allowing the viewer room to reflect on the remarkable use of colour and precise technique.
The most important element here is the wonderful light, illuminating the subject and casting shadows that reveal shape and solidity. This same light creates the secondary image in the reflection that is the trademark of Ken's work.
As the subjects are strictly life-size, a sense of trompe-l'oiel (deceiving the eye) occurs, it is as though the fruit could be picked right from the canvas. Ken's latest work continues to impress as it moves away from small pieces to larger paintings with detailed groupings of antique pottery, fruits, vegetables and flowers.
The highly reflective quality of the chosen pottery allows Ken's virtuoso skill in painting reflection come through. The objects remain life-size; allowing interesting compositional elements within a larger canvas.
Although the life and beauty of Ken's subject is all too transient, in the paintings they will endure, continuing to bring tranquility to the room and pleasure the viewer.
Ken's paintings are represented in many private collections in New Zealand, Australia, America & Great Britain. He has won many well-known and respected art awards, including the Waitakere Art Award and twice winning the Mainland Art Award, (plus won 'People's Choice Award' in Mainland, 2004).
