Michèle J. Kenna, a transplanted Canadian, has lived in Massachusetts for over 30 years. Growing up in a family involved in art and theater, Michèle pursued her own artistic aspirations by completing her degree in Fine Arts at the University of Toronto. After raising two children in Beverly, MA, Michèle continued to study with nationally known American artists who taught and mentored her in the pastel medium, her primary influences being Frank Federico, PSA 2012 Hall of Fame Honoree and internationally renowned painter, Wolf Kahn. Michèle has also studied with renowned American painters such as Betty Lou Schlemm, Charles Movalli, Ted Minchin, Barbara Moody, Masako Kamiya and many more.

Classes at the Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA, have inspired Michèle to reach out beyond traditional boundaries and to challenge herself to more abstract ways of expression. With a studio at the Porter Mill Studios in Beverly, Michèle continues to develop her unique style of landscape painting. She has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and art associations in the Boston area and the North Shore. Michèle’s commissioned work is part of many private collections in the United States, Canada and Europe.

ARTIST STATEMENT

LOOKING AT THE WORLD AROUND ME . . . . FROM AN ABSTRACT POINT OF VIEW

As time goes by I am being pulled more and more towards abstract expression. Abstract painting gives me a freedom of personal expression which encompasses emotion, gesture, spirit, passion, intensity and tone (perfect words from the Thesaurus). My abstract work can reflect what is going on around me as well as within me.

Using mixed media including pastel, acrylic paint, charcoal and ink gives me the freedom to experiment and create unexpected abstract paintings as well as landscapes.

Sometimes “mistakes” occur but as Helen Frankenthaler said: “You have to know how to use the accident, how to recognize it, how to control it and ways to eliminate it so that the whole surface looks felt and born all at once.” Getting to the essence, to the core is my process. My traditional work, which I will always continue to do, has given me the foundation and confidence to move in a different direction.