Kenneth Lewis Sr. is a painter, who paints large colorful figures and abstracts. He has been showing large pieces over the information desk at the Hamilton Township Library for the past six years. These striking images are colorful and loud in comparison to the quiet of the library. They bring a lot of energy to the space.
Talking with Lewis about his art is a lively encounter. He makes art like others breathe air, constantly. You can tell by the way he discusses his work that he really loves doing it, it is a joy he finds. Lewis also teaches in many programs for both children and adults.
His work is free and vibrant. The paintings are colorful and full of life.
When and how did you begin in the arts and what did you do previously?
I began painting in 2008 at the age of 47. I am currently 62 years old. I am completely self-taught. I have previously worked in retail and property management. My parents always made me feel as if I could do anything. Painting makes me happy and gives me energy. It is freeing and even if I work on my art all day in the studio, I don’t feel as though I am cooped up at work. I grew up in Bound Brook but have been in the Mercer County area for a long time.
Which media do you work in?
I work with oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, house paint, and my own mixtures. I paint on strand board, tarps, canvas, paper, fabric, leather doors. I am very experimental. I like to paint large. I make my own wooden stretchers and stretch my own canvases. Being a property manager, I am good with my hands and able to make what I need for my art.
How do you decide what to paint?
I don’t decide I just work. Only time I make decisions are for commission. I work on average 40 paintings at a time. I have a large studio and just get started painting. What comes out is what comes out. I just need to get started that’s all.
Do you work in series?
Yes I currently have 12 different series and have painted over 5,000 pieces. I have painted series of figures, portraits, abstracts and landscapes. I really like it all. I recently exhibited in Art Expo NYC. I also showed work in the Ewing Municipal Building, Patterns Exhibition in Chelsea, Manhattan and at the Hopewell Valley Vineyard.
Who are some of your inspirations or influences?
Albert Wagner, the Arkansas born artist who was a prolific folk artist was a major influence. Florida artist Purvis Young, whose work was a blend of drawing, painting and utilizing found objects. Jean-Michel Basquiat the famous neo-impressionist always moved me. Classic artists such as Berthe Morisot, Amedeo Modigliani and the colorful Henri Matisse.
Do you always work on larger pieces?
I prefer larger 6ft plus yet, about 50% are over 6 ft. x 6 ft. I paint from 8 x 10 on up. With some of the large pieces I will paint them and then take them off of the stretchers and roll them up for storage. I will label them and keep them organized. Painting on larger canvas allows me to immerse myself into each piece.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
I struggle with time not to make my art but to do other things. I get so into making the artwork that I forget to eat and sleep. I try to schedule my day and do a pretty good job with an hour for this and an hour for that, but sometimes I still get caught up in the painting.
Another struggle I have is inventory management. I paint so much and have so many pieces, more than 5,000, that it is a challenge to keep them organized and be able to access the pieces I am looking for.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on 3 commissions, and paintings for my next exhibition this winter in NY and at my studio. Also, a Harlem Renaissance children’s book. I have a podcast coming up which will discuss all types of artwork and artists.
Painter Kenneth Lewis, Sr. at work in the studio.,
