KENNY MCKENNA

About this artist

McKenna’s painting subjects are widely diverse. With the emphasis on landscapes, “I simply paint what interests me.” He paints exclusively in oils creating an impressionistic style with texture and loose brushwork. His paintings elicit a sense of warmth and calmness, an open invitation to explore and all share the inherent ingredient of the infusion of sunlight.

McKenna was fortunate to have parents that loved to travel. With relatives residing on both the west and east coasts, the road trips from Kansas covered a lot of territory. The desert landscape, canyons, and colors of the southwest was especially appealing to him when covering the miles to California. His travels continued throughout the United States while working as an accomplished musician. The combination was great. He was doing something he loved and was aware of the beauty of the country. The years of touring with the group The Young Raiders have been rewarded with the 2009 induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and in April of 2018 into the South Dakota Music Hall of Fame.

Although music remains an active part of his life, painting satisfies his creative nature. With a gypsy spirit, McKenna has called several places home. His work reflects the places he has lived and those he has traveled.

McKenna has been commissioned by the Friends of the Capitol along with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Office of the Governor of the State of Oklahoma for an art installation in spring of 2018 honoring the centennial of the Oklahoma State Capitol building. His exhibits have included Masters of the American West, Autry National Center in Los Angeles, CA; Small works Great Wonders, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK; Collectors Reserve, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK; Night of Artists, Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, TX.  McKenna’s art has been featured in Art of the West, Southwest Art, and Western Art Collector.