Kenn Backhaus

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 and following High School, he attended Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, WI. As a commercial designer and illustrator, Kenn received many awards at both local and national levels, which included acceptance in the 30th 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 landscapes, seascapes, figurative, portrait, still life, and nature. Kenn has always had an artistic interest in water, from a small stream to rivers and oceans, to placid waters and the raging sea. There is always something to challenge the artist, from its translucency, its reflective qualities to its movements and all the life around and within its boundaries.

Kenn’s works have been juried into many shows across the USA and he has been featured in numerous art publications and books. He regularly serves as an acceptance juror and awards judge for many shows across the country. He was one of 50 artists selected from across the country to participate in a traveling museum show titled, “From Sea to Shining Sea – A Reflection of America.” The exhibit opened at the Haggin Museum, Stockton, CA in the Spring of 2004 and traveled to various museums in America through 2007. Kenn was also filmed painting up in Alaska as part of a PBS series entitled Plein Air, Painting the American Landscape.

Kenn will be part of a new American Public Television art and travel program. The program entitled, Passport & Palette, represents the next generation of art education on television. The high-definition series invites viewers to see the world through the eyes of acclaimed master artists. Cameras follow the artist as they travel to some of the most picturesque location s in the World. He is a Signature Member of both the Oil Painters of America and Plein-Air Painters of America. He also served as President of the Plein-Air Painters of America from the year 2000-2001.