Plein air artist Merrimon Kennedy uses bold strokes and colors to create painterly landscapes of the American Southwest. Enjoy more by visiting her website.
![painting of summer in the Southwest by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Southwest-Summer-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“Southwest Summer” oil on canvas, 24” x 24” x 1.5”
Running an art gallery was not my career plan when I was in college. From an early age I knew I wanted to be an artist. Luckily my parents encouraged my interest in art, particularly my mother.
![painting of the Sangres Badlands by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Badlands-View-of-the-Sangres-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“Badlands View of the Sangres” oil on panel, 16” x 12”
After college was another story. I had the desire, but knowing how to make a living as an artist was a puzzle. After exploring various paths without success, fate put me in the position of buying an existing gallery on the coast of North Carolina, my home state. It seemed like a brilliant move—I could combine my recent experience in retail and marketing with my degree in painting to stay connected to the art world. The business was up and running and I would have a venue to exhibit my artwork!
![painting of the Rio Grande Gorge by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Along-the-Rio-Grande-Gorge-II-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpeg)
“Along the Rio Grande Gorge II” oil on cradled panel, 24” x 36” x 2”
Early on I discovered that running a gallery would be hard work and long hours, although there were rewards. I enjoyed curating the exhibitions and match-making collectors to artists, and introduced some visitors to their first experience purchasing original art. I became involved in my community and organized a monthly gallery night to promote the art venues in my downtown neighborhood. This practice continued for twenty years.
![painting of the Arroyo Gigante by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Late-Afternoon-in-the-Arroyo-Gigante-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“Late Afternoon in the Arroyo Gigante” oil on panel, 16” x 12”
The one thing I didn’t seem to have time to do was paint. In 2015, I sold the business and my husband and I headed to Santa Fe, New Mexico to begin a new chapter in our lives.
![painting of the Southwest landscape by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Traces-of-Winter-Snow-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“Traces of Winter Snow” oil on canvas, 40” x 30” x 2.25”
After thirty years of not working as an artist, it was difficult to get started again. I took an online painting workshop and slowly my work evolved.
![painting of Chamisas by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Chamisas-in-Late-Afternoon-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“Chamisas in Late Afternoon” oil on panel, 16” x 12”
The course was not focused on plein air, but the instructor encouraged us to try it. I found that the light outdoors was far superior to the light in the studio. In addition, being outside was very pleasant.
![painting of the Southwest by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Almost-Spring-Detail-by-Merrimon-Kennedy-500.jpg)
“Almost Spring” (detail) oil on panel, detail size approximately 8” x 12”
I did a “paintout” event with other artists for a week. Although I was a bit nervous to paint in public, it was a revelation. Despite the potential discomforts (carrying equipment, weather, insects, and so on) I realized that this is what I needed to do.
![painting of sumer in Nambe by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Summer-Morning-in-Nambe-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“Summer Morning in Nambe” oil on cradled panel, 24” x 12” x 1.5”
Before moving to the Southwest, I never had an interest in painting landscapes. Suddenly, I felt a strong visual connection to my surroundings and the opportunity to share a sense of time and place with my artwork.
![painting of a storm in the Southwest by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Storm-Brewing-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“Storm Brewing” oil on panel, 16” x 12”
There’s no other feeling like being “in the flow.” Nothing else matters; I am intent only on my painting. With a small window of time to before the light changes, speed is crucial. I enjoy the physicality of making bold, decisive strokes on my painting surface. Paint applied can be scraped, smeared or incised with a tool. I want my work to appear spontaneous, regardless of whether it was.
![painting of a view from a bridge by Merrimon Kennedy](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/View-from-the-Bridge-II-by-Merrimon-Kennedy.jpg)
“View from the Bridge II” oil on cradled panel, 24” x 18” x 1.5”
Though I enjoy painting from observation, I have also begun translating my smaller studies into larger scale pieces in the studio. Oil is my primary medium of choice, though I like exploring other media including acrylic, gouache, pastels and oil with cold wax medium. As a gallerist, I made a difference to my community, my artists and my collectors. My life as a painter is far more personally rewarding.
Artist Merrimon Kennedy invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Ms. Kennedy paints exceptional landscapes, a subject which is my favorite. I’ve admired her work for three years and finally am very close to purchasing a large piece which is soon-to-be finished. She takes such care to make each piece reflect her very best effort. I encourage you to add her work to your collection.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate your interest in my work and am so pleased you contacted me about a piece for your home. This has been a fun project and I hope you and your family will enjoy once the paint dries!