Kenn Backhaus - American Artist

Each of the forty-seven artists in this exhibition will contribute two works, one painted on location, another in the studio. Many of the works resulted from group-painting sessions that literally stretched from sea to shining sea: the Hudson River Valley in New York, the St. Louis area in Missouri, and the rugged Big Sur coastline in California. Visitors to this exhibition will enjoy the unique opportunity to see paintings created at the same site by different artists. Adding to the diversity of works on display, each artist will also contribute a painting representing their own region of the country.

This expanded exhibition will open at The Haggin Museum and then travel for three years to twelve locations around the country. The high caliber of the exhibition is reflected in its selection by Smith Kramer Fine Art Services, who is organizing this tour. Most of the works will be for sale, but will not be available for delivery until the end of the tour.

“The Start of Another Morning”
12” x 16” oil/linen

This piece was painted on-location in the month of May, 2003 on one of the scheduled plein air paint-outs for the "Sea to Shining Sea" exhibit. The scene is of Hermann, Missouri, a beautiful and quaint historic town along the Missouri River. I am attracted to a number of different subject matters this one in particular. The town of Hermann which is about 50 miles west of St. Louis, MO reminds me of the area that I was born and raised in Wisconsin. Any time one travels across our wonderful country we are always more attracted to areas that remind of us of our youth. The people, the architecture, atmosphere, the sounds and smells, yes the sounds and smells, all these elements can bring one to that back home feeling. Now enters the artist in me and what more would I need to set up and start painting. Hopefully this is what the artist can bring to the viewer is a glimpse or a reminder of the past or just the simple beauty that one can behold of a morning scene looking down a town street.

“A Short Walk to a Mornings Fishing Spot”
22” x 30” oil/linen

This painting reflects a scene of what could be a Father and son, two Brothers or a couple of friends heading down the railroad tracks to their favorite fishing spot along the Mississippi River. This setting is of the small town of Fountain City on the western side of Wisconsin along the Mississippi River. I have spent some time here both in the spring of the year and the fall season. It is a beautiful area of coulees and bluffs and that overlook the Mississippi River.

For more information on this exhibition and the travel schedule please visit: www.hagginmuseum.org


“Afternoon Shade”	24” x 30” oil/linen

Alla Prima International Exhibition
May 7, 2003 - June 12, 2004
After a tremendous success with the 2003 Oil Painters of America Exhibition, Nichols Gallery was chosen to host the Alla Prima International Exhibition in Spring of 2004. Thirty six members of Alla prima International will be participating along with twenty four invited guest artists.

Kenn was invited to participate in this exhibition and show for 2004. He had selected the image below for the Alla Prima International Exhibition. For more information you may call Nichols Taos Fine Art Gallery at (505)758.2475 or visit their web site at, www.nicholsgallery.com

Check out the new Alla Prima International 2004 Exhibition web site. www.allaprimaint-api.com


“The Beaver Pond”	30” x 36” oil/linen

Oil Painters Of America National Exhibition
May 20th - June 20th, 2004
The Oil Painters of America invite you to visit the beautiful Pacific Northwest to experience this prestigious juried exhibition. This will be OPA’s 13th annual show and will feature over 200 paintings by some of the nation’s best oil painters, including many OPA Master Signature Members, as well as some of tomorrow’s brightest stars. During the opening weekend festivities, we will also be offering many workshops, demonstrations and seminars presented by prominent OPA artists and lecturers, including this year’s juror of awards, C. W. Mundy. For information on this exhibition go to: www.howardmandville.com

Kenn is a signature member of OPA and his painting titled “The Beaver Pond” was juried in to this year’s event.

For more information on the Oil Painters Of America organization go to: www.oilpaintersofamerica.com

“A Remnant of a Desert Noble”
24” x 24” oil/linen

Art of the Animal Kingdom IX
June 12 – August 29, 2004
Bennington Center for the Arts
Bennington, Vermont
Kenn was selected along with 81 other artists to exhibit in this most prestigious show dedicating the artist’s talents and efforts to the animal kingdom. Kenn has always had interest in wildlife and the depiction of wildlife in the landscape. His influences of wildlife art have come from past masters such as, German descend Carl Rungius, the Swedish painter Bruno Liljefors, American artist Herbert Dunton and American contemporary artist Robert Kuhn.

"A Remnant of a Desert Noble" was selected for this exhibit and sale. For more information on this exhibit please visit: www.benningtoncenterforthearts.org

19th Annual Plein Air Painters of America Exhibition and Sale
Lake Tahoe, June 19 – 20, 2004
Caesars Tahoe Ballroom
55 Highway 50, Stateline, Nevada
Kenn along with other PAPA Signature Members and guest artists will be painting in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and showing their paintings during an elegant evening dinner sale and Sunday morning brunch held at Caesars Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Reserved tickets for the Saturday evening dinner gala sale are $110; unreserved tickets are $15 for the Sunday morning Champagne Sale.

For information on this exhibition and sale please visit the PAPA web site at: www.p-a-p-a.com
To reserve tickets please contact: PAPA - Susan McGarry 505.982.6379 smcgarry@ix.netcom.com or Caesars Tahoe 877.868.5885 www.caesars.com

First Annual Telluride Plein Air 2004
June 29 Through July 4th , 2004
Telluride, Colorado
Kenn along with twenty-eight other nationally recognized plein air artists will gather in Telluride, Colorado for the First Annual Telluride Plein Air, 2004. The Sheridan Arts Foundation and Keith Wicks, Executive Director of Sonoma Plein Air, have joined together to bring this exciting event to Telluride. The first of its kind in this internationally renowned resort area, this event will benefit community programming at the foundation’s historic Sheridan Opera House, located in the center of this legendary mining town.

From June 29th through July 2nd, everyone will enjoy the unique opportunity to observe some of the nation’s best plein air artists as they capture the area’s flower-filled meadows, majestic mountain views and historic downtown dating to the turn of the last century. On July 3rd and 4th the courtyard located in front of the historic Sheridan Opera House has been reserved for an exhibition and sale of the pieces created during this week-long celebration of plein air painting.

Come meet the artists, learn about outdoor painting, support art education in the community and have fun in beautiful Telluride, Colorado.

On July 3rd and 4th the courtyard located in front of the historic Sheridan Opera House has been reserved for an exhibition and sale of the pieces created during this week-long celebration of plein air painting.

6th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational
July 11th – 18th, 2004
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, California
Kenn was invited along with forty nine other artists to participate in the 6th annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. This will be Kenn’s six invitation and he is always excited to paint in this historic coastal area. For information on this event please call: 949.376.3635 or visit: www.lpapa.org

Educational “Collectors Series” presented by Debra Huse Gallery
July 24th, 2004
Talk by noted Art Historian, Jean Stern and a private painting demonstration by Kenn Backhaus 1pm – 4pm. Tickets to the talk and demonstration include exclusive VIP reception and private preview of new works “Coastal Treasures” by Kenn Backhaus 4pm – 6pm. For more information and reservations for limited attendance please call, Debra Huse Gallery 949.723.6171.

Maynard Dixon Country 2004
Annual Art Show and Sale
August 25 – 29, 2004
Mount Carmel, Utah
Now in its sixth year, Maynard Dixon Country celebrates the landscape, the sky, the rocks, the rain and the sun, and the beauty in which they are seen through the artist's eyes. It honors its namesake, Maynard Dixon, who understood that the world is much bigger than all of us. Ultimately, Maynard Dixon Country is a tribute to all artists who understand this vision and who work so diligently to illustrate the world through their work.

The Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts is pleased to present Maynard Dixon Country 2004 Annual Art Show and Sale, featuring 38 of America's greatest painters.

Against a backdrop of Southern Utah vistas, magical sunsets, and incredible beauty, Maynard Dixon Country is held each year at the summer home and studio of Maynard Dixon and Edith Hamlin in Mt. Carmel, Utah, located just moments from Zion National Park.

For schedule of events and other information please visit: www.maynarddixoncountry.com
Online ticket purchase coming soon. To purchase tickets, please call 1-801-533-5330 or email marley@maynarddixon.com.

Plein Air Painters of America
Plein Air Color & Light, October 16, - November 27, 2004
Lyme Art Association
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Kenn along with eleven other PAPA signature members will be painting around the historic community of Old Lyme. This exhibit and sale should prove to be a wonderful display of the beauty that fascinated the early Connecticut Impressionist and still attracts the contemporary artists to this most spectacular area of the East Coast.

An exhibition and sale of on-location paintings from the Old Lyme area, as well as examples of studio paintings created from and shown with the on-location paintings will be shown at the Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Please visit the PAPA web site at: www.p-a-p-a.com
For information on this exhibit and sale please contact: PAPA - Susan McGarry
505.982.6379 smcgarry@ix.netcom.com or HOST - Lyme Art Association
860.434.7802 laainc@earthlink.net

Anne Irwin Fine Art
“Spring Invitational 2005”
March 18 – 31, 2005
Opening reception Friday, March 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Featuring Guest Artists:
Kenn Backhaus, Marc Whitney, John McCaw, Peter Fiore, Kathleen Dunphy, Arthur Cohen

Kenn has been invited to exhibit in this most exciting exhibition with some of the countries leading artists. He has selected the following three paintings for this exhibition.
Kenn choose a theme of water for his inspiration in these pieces.

If you are interested in purchasing any art from this show, please contact Anne Irwin Fine Art at the information below.

20th Annual PAPA Exhibition & Sale
CAPTURING THE SPLENDOR OF THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE FOR 20 YEARS!
You are cordially invited to join us at the premier art exhibition and sale
featuring contemporary on-location artists.
Experience beauty through the eyes of America’s finest painters!
LAKE TAHOE, JUNE 18-19, 2005
CAESARS TAHOE BALLROOM
55 HIGHWAY 50, STATELINE, NEVADA

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 10:00 AM TO 12:30 PM, PAINT OUT
Watch the artists painting the turquoise waters, beach activities and mountain vistas at Zephyr Cove. Free admission with parking fee.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 6:00 TO 10:00 PM, GALA DINNER SALE
More than 200 plein-air paintings will be for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Collectors and guests will also enjoy an “artful” sit-down dinner, complimentary wine and the classical sounds of a string quartet. The artists will be on hand throughout the evening for informal discussions.
Gala Dinner Sale Tickets are $110 per person, advance reservations required. (The ticket price includes the Sunday Champagne Sale.) Check-in at 5:00 pm at Caesars Tahoe Ballroom, doors open at 6:00 pm.
Tables for up to ten may be reserved for an additional $100 per table.
The exhibition/sale opens to the public at 9:00 pm for a $10 fee.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 10:30 AM TO 2:00 PM, CHAMPAGNE SALE
A fresh selection of 200 artworks will be for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy complimentary champagne, coffee and pastries. No advance reservations are required. $15 per person. Tickets purchased at Caesars Tahoe Gateway.

TO MAKE TICKET AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS CALL 877.868.5885. Confirmation will be mailed upon receipt of payment. Tickets may be picked up at check-in at Ceasars Tahoe Ballroom. A $10 handling fee per ticket will be assessed for refunds. No refunds after June 15, 2005.

Make reservations early, as space is limited. Credit card required to secure art purchases. Assistance with packing will be available during both sales.

7th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational
July 10th – 17th, 2005
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, CaliforniaKenn was invited along with forty nine other artists to participate in the 7th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. The image “Shaw Cove” is one of the paintings that Kenn painted in last years event. To view a demonstration of this painting please click on, “Demonstrations” in the header of this page. Kenn took progressive digital photos during the painting process while on-location to bring you the different stages from start to finish.

This will be Kenn’s seventh invitation and he is always excited to paint in this historic coastal area. For information on this event please call: 949.376.3635 or visit: www.lpapa.org

American Artists Abroad
Opening Reception August 5th, 2006
Artwork from around the world, created by North American artists, will be exhibited from foliage season into the holidays. Two and three dimensional artwork by some of the country's finest artists will be included. Last year Kenn was awarded, Best of Show in this exhibit, he has two works in this year’s exhibit and sale.
For more information please visit: www.benningtoncenterforthearts.org

Maynard Dixon Country 2005
Annual Art Show and Sale
August 24 – 28, 2005
Mount Carmel, Utah
Now in its seventh year, Maynard Dixon Country celebrates the landscape, the sky, the rocks, the rain and the sun, and the beauty in which they are seen through the artist's eyes. It honors its namesake, Maynard Dixon, who understood that the world is much bigger than all of us. Ultimately, Maynard Dixon Country is a tribute to all artists who understand this vision and who work so diligently to illustrate the world through their work.

The Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts is pleased to present Maynard Dixon Country 2005 Annual Art Show and Sale, featuring 35 of America's greatest painters.

Against a backdrop of Southern Utah vistas, magical sunsets, and incredible beauty, Maynard Dixon Country is held each year at the summer home and studio of Maynard Dixon and Edith Hamlin in Mt. Carmel, Utah, located just moments from Zion National Park.

For schedule of events and other information please visit: www.maynarddixoncountry.com
Online ticket purchase coming soon. To purchase tickets, please call 1-801-533-5330 or email marley@maynarddixon.com.

Michael Hollis Fine Art Spring Showcase '06
March 4th through April 1st, 2006
featuring artists

These six accomplished artist's works will be highlighting the beauty of Southern California.
Opening reception with the artists March 4th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.

MAYNARD DIXON COUNTRY 2006
August 25 – 27, 2006
Now in it’s eight year, Maynard Dixon Country celebrates, the landscape, the sun, the rocks, the rain and the sun, and the beauty in which they are seen through the artist’s eyes. It honors its namesake, Maynard Dixon, who understood that the world is much bigger than all of us. Ultimately, Maynard Dixon Country is a tribute to all artists who understand this vision and who work so diligently to illustrate the world through their work.
To view Kenn’s works and other participating artists in this exhibition and sale, please visit: www.maynarddixoncountry.com

BIRDS IN ART 2006, LEIGH YAWKEY WOODSON ART MUSEUM
Opening Reception September 9th, 2006
Since 1976, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum has organized Birds in Art annually, seeking to present the very best contemporary artistic interpretations of birds and related subject matter. Two- and three-dimensional artworks in all media other than crafts and photography are eligible for submission. Approximately 100 works are selected by a jury. One of Kenn’s paintings, Eiders at Rest was selected for this year’s exhibition and sale.
For more information please visit: www.lywam.org

4th Annual Tropical Gala and "Coastal Splendor" Plein Air Invitational Art Show & Sale
September 16th, 2006
Kenn will be participating in the 4th Annual Tropical Gala and "Coastal Splendor" Plein Air Invitational Art Show & Sale.
For more information on this event, please visit: www.crystalcovealliance.org

8th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational
October 8 –15, 2006
Quick Draw, Auction & Gala, October 14th, 2006
Each year, fifty nationally recognized artists from across the country are selected by the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association to participate in the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. After painting in and around the city of Laguna Beach throughout the week, each artist selects three paintings completed during the overall competition. These paintings are then hung in Laguna Art Museum along other paintings completed during the week, for judging at Saturday night's Collectors' Gala. Award winners are announced at the gala, when collectors are able to view and purchase paintings. The unsold art works are available for viewing and purchase at the Museum on Sunday.
For more information on this event please visit: www.lagunaartmuseum.org

Where We are in America, From Sea to Shining Sea ....featuring artists from the nationally touring exhibition: From Sea to Shining Sea: Reflections of America: Peter Adams, Clyde Aspevig, Kenn Backhaus, Jason Bouldin, John Budicin, Scott Burdick, Marcia Burtt, Nancy Bush, John Cosby, William R. Davis, Gil Dellinger, M. Stephen Doherty, Michael Godfrey, Albert Handell, Glenna Hartmann, William Hook, Scott Jennings, Gregory Hull, Lucinda Kasser, Jean LeGassick, Kevin Macpherson, Joseph McGurl, Eric Michaels, Clark Mitchell, Ned Mueller, Billy O' Donnell, Ralph Oberg, Joseph Paquet, Peggy Root, Chuck Waldman, Marika Wolfe, Curt Walters, Skip Whitcomb and Mary White.
Tree’s Place, Orleans, Massachusetts
Opening Reception June 30, 2007
Show runs from June 23 -July 6, 2007
For more information call, l.508.255.1330 or visit www.treesplace.com
Tree’s Place, Route 6A at 28, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653

Plein Air Competition and Art Festival
Easton, Maryland
July 22 – 29, 2007
Kenn is honored to be the Awards Judge, for the Third Annual Plein Air Competition. This event will be held on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in the beautiful town of Easton, Maryland. For more information on this event, please visit www.pleinair-easton.com

Maynard Dixon Country 2007
August 22 – 25, 2007
Now in it’s eight year, Maynard Dixon Country celebrates, the landscape, the sun, the rocks, the rain and the sun, and the beauty in which they are seen through the artist’s eyes. It honors its namesake, Maynard Dixon, who understood that the world is much bigger than all of us. Ultimately, Maynard Dixon Country is a tribute to all artists who understand this vision and who work so diligently to illustrate the world through their work. To view Kenn’s works and other participating artists in this exhibition and sale, please visit: www.maynarddixoncountry.com

21st Annual Plein Air Painters of America Exhibition
“From the Heart”, Haggin Museum
October 19, 2007 – January 6, 2008
For more information, please visit, www.p-a-p-a.com