Simon Kenevan - About the artist

"Simon Kenevan's pastel paintings are inspired by the influences of light and weather, and the combined effect on the landscape . . . "

An astute synopsis from one reviewer of Simon's work. But look a little longer, and the viewer will see that there is yet another element integral to each piece.

Over the years, Simon Kenevan has established a remarkable, spiritual bond with what he beholds. And at certain times, when light, weather and elements combine in an unfathomable way, often at an unpredictable moment that spirit is touched in a beautiful way. A string of emotions from melancholy to joy, reflection to exhilaration are felt throughout his soul, leaving an everlasting treasure. This is the 'hidden' element.

"The common factor is light, both literally and metaphorically. We all yearn it and seek it out when it is absent from our lives. Those fortunate enough to find it know that it's not only an external entity - it also comes from within. I have this light inside of me. There is light, and love, in each and every painting, and I welcome all to share it, and use it for themselves."

Simon Kenevan was born in London in 1963. Following the break up of his artist parents in '65 a move to the south coast of England meant that his childhood was largely that of a free spirited 'urchin' running barefoot in the sand, climbing trees, exploring streams. Very Huck Finn, you might say. At the age of 10, his new family separated, and Simon learnt to be self sufficient and self 'contained' very quickly, during the many hours of solitude. This independence has remained with him ever since, and has undoubtedly led to the poignant and reflective qualities in his paintings.

His only formal art training was the superb tuition in draughtmanship and perspective received from Mr Neame at Bournemouth School for Boys. On leaving school in 1979 Simon embarked on a string of occupations, always choosing to work out of doors.

In 1982 Simon joined the crew of a fishing boat, reaffirming his lifelong relationship with the sea. He soon scraped enough together to purchase his own small craft, a 14ft rowing boat, to work alone, and to become closer to the environment he was working in. It is from this period that he realised his endless love affair with the elements, and the humbling, inspiring majesty of the sea, the sky, and the wind. Although 'art' did not feature as part of this life, the solitude brought about by his work gave rise to much thought and observation, and unbeknown set the seed for his future career as an artist.

Over 20 years have past since this halcyon existence, and a lot of life, with all its heartache, has blown through like a hurricane, leaving behind it a wake of destruction. But throughout, Simon Kenevan had faith, that someday all will be made clear. That a path would become visible, and he would have the courage to take it.

In 2003 Simon came to America, and all was revealed. A new world is opening up for him, as if it had been waiting for a long while. He soon discovered the paintings of the 'Sublime' movement. The likes of Edwin Church, Thomas Moran, John Kensett and others, all pioneering artists of the mid 1800's, who saw and painted a huge, diverse continent, never seen nor explored.

"I know that I experience the landscape with the same spiritual intensity as these artists did. I aim to inject that divine inspiration into every piece of work I produce."

Simon Kenevan is now creating the finest paintings of his career. His path has been arduous, and if you look closely enough, has left its mark, but Simon finds a way to use the combined influences of 'what-has-been' and 'what-is'. In fact, his history, his love, and his light, are all as important as the pastel pigments and sheets of paper. Without them, you would see a picture. With them, you get a piece of life.