Kenneth Shanika Artist
Press Kit / Master
Mailing Address: 2111 Bagnell Dam Blvd PO Box 1211
Lake Ozark, Missouri 65049
303-941-8300
Studio Address: 38 Crow Road
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Press/Reporters; Feel free to view these items. There is more than you can use. I believe that it is better to have more information than not enough.
You can call me if you need more information or to clarify anything.
I thought it would be a good idea to present my views in the form of a mock interview.
Did you know? Things I’ve contributed to the community… Why it matters…..
A Mock Interview
- 1. What would you and others say are some of your personal attributes?
- I am extremely loyal, sometimes to fault. I stand by the people that matter to me and to my principles.
- I am persistent. I don’t give up easily. I don’t give up. Never give up. It’s not over until I’m in the ground.
- I am kind and gentile. I believe the strongest men are the gentlest. It takes a bigger man to be kind and gentle.
- I give freely of myself and of my time.
- I love to teach and share what I’ve learned and experienced.
- I am a storyteller. Everything has a story, a moral, a reason and a meaning.
- 2. Who are you?
- I’m a storyteller. I love to share my experiences, knowledge and adventures through my artwork and with stories. I’m a dreamer and a builder of dreams. I’m a loyal friend. I build things. I do not destroy. I nurture and cultivate those that share their lives with me. I’m a natural teacher. I produce more than I consume. I give more than I ask for. I care. I hope that I leave the world a better place after my time is done. I live by the above.
- Why do you do what you do?
- I believe that life is a journey to be shared. I see the world through the eyes of an artist and artists see things most other people don’t. Imagine what an artist sees while creating a painting in plein air. The artist studies that particular place for 3-5 hours editing and depicting what is in front of him. Most people look at the landscape, recognize things, generalize things and move on. They don’t really see what is there. The artist does. I see things clearly and in detail. I think that being specific is better than being general. History records specific things, the general is not interesting. As a culture, we remember Rembrandt and Leonardo but who remembers the best accountant from the past? I have the DNA of an artist. It is who and what I am.
- 4. What are the ten most interesting things you have done or that have happened to you that have contributed to your art career?
- I was blessed to have had a father that was an artist. He showed me I could do anything I set my heart on doing. He said to me, “I don’t care what you do with your life, but be the best you can be at doing what you choose. Look inside yourself. You only need to compare yourself to yourself. You’ll know if you done your best.” I am the oldest male of eight children. Being the oldest male child taught me to look after and care for others. I learned that everything is better when it is shared.
- Earning a scholarship to the world-renowned Kansas City Art Institute and receiving my BFA. I would have never dreamed that a poor kid from a large family would have earned a degree from such a top ranked school.
- Starting with nothing, owning my own art gallery and operating it for nearly 30 years. I learned how to treat people with dignity and respect. I learned how to hire, train and motivate young people. Earning the designation of being “Distinctively Kansas City”. “The Best Of”.
- It was an honor to be chosen as the featured artists by Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Stations (RMPBS) two times for their annual art auction. They sent out a crew and video taped me creating a painting and recorded a nice interview for my “Artists Profile”. There are thousands of fine artists in Colorado and they thought so much of me to feature me two times.
- Earning the designation Certified Picture Framer (CPF) from the International Professional Pictures Framer Association in 1984. This is a high honor earned by very few professional picture frames that demonstrate the highest skills and understanding of the industry.
- Moving to Colorado to work full-time as an artist so that I could dedicate myself to painting full time.
- Founding and Directing the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters group. The PPPAP was designed to be a social organization where each artist supports and shares their knowledge and experiences with other artists. Together we are stronger and our lives are richer. We uphold the highest standards of integrity.
- Being invited to join the Susan K. Black Foundation. After becoming a member of this small family of artists, teachers and industry professionals they honored me by bestowing upon me the “Rose Award”, their highest honor.
- Teaching and mentoring young people and artists of all ages. I’m very proud that my young students have learned and grown so much. They have demonstrated their skills and understanding of fine art by receiving significant recognition. They have won over 100 awards, prizes, scholarships and grants during the past 9 years while competing in local, regional and national competitions. I know that I have affected their lives in a positive way.
10. Over the last twenty years I’ve given my time to mentor several young students in the small town of Dubois, WY. Every year my student has completed a very nice piece of artwork in a very short time. My students have entered those paintings in regional and state wide art shows and have earned awards for their work every year including first pace in the state fair and having their artwork hang in the governor’s office.
- 5. How did you end up becoming an artist?
- I’ve always known I was an artist. Like my father, it is in my bones. I’ve always seen the world through an artist’ eyes. I knew I needed to learn how to create great meaningful artwork that would tell important stories and affect the lives of people today and in the future. My goal is to leave a lasting legacy for posterity.
- What do you like/love about being an artist?
- I love to share my personal vision of the world and record the world as it is today so that future generations will have some insight into what it was like here now. I believe that we live in unique times and I have to tell our story, my story.
- 7. What are common responses you get from people about your artwork?
- People tell me that they relate to my work. They feel as though they are ‘there’ in my paintings. They tell me that they feel comfort in my work. They tell me the work feels real. They are amazed with how specific my work is. It gives them the essence of the place.
- 8. What projects are you working on right now, and why are you enthusiastic about them?
- I’ve been working on an ongoing series of paintings I call “Vanishing Vistas”. I’m trying to record views of the West that are changing and disappearing due to the increase of population and the encroachment of development. Change is happening, it seems like slow motion, but it is really happening quite fast.
- I’ve got a one-man show scheduled in December 2014 at the Eichman Gallery in Park State Bank. I’ll have the opportunity to introduce my work to a broader audience and make them aware of how precious our landscape is. I hope they recognize the value of what I’ve dedicated myself to do. Part of the proceeds from the show will benefit Teen Art Programs.
- For the last three years I’ve established the Annual Summer Teen Art Classes in Woodland Park and Victor where I teach the fundamentals of traditional oil painting. This type of instruction is not available in all of Teller County. It is the only art education offer in the summer in all of Teller County. It has been well received and deeply appreciated by those that have taken my classes.
- I mentor teen students in my studio all year round. Both home school and public school teens take my classes. Each class is limited to no more than 6 students.
- What successes are you most proud of having accomplished?
- I’m proud to be carrying on my father’s artistic legacy.
- I’m proud that I was given a scholarship, was accepted and earned my FBA from the Kansas City Art Institute.
- I’m proud that I was able to start my own business, run it for nearly 30 years, be recognized as one of the best and support my family doing what I loved.
- I’m proud and honored to have received the “Rose Award” from the Susan K. Black Foundation. It is the highest honor that they bestow on any of their associates.
- I’m proud that I founded and am the director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters group. I’ve become friends with so many wonderful people.
- I’m proud to be mentoring home-school kids and that every one of them are excelling and winning awards and recognition for their efforts. I love to challenge them. I’ve found that if I expect a lot from them and set the bar high, they respond. They are remarkable. I’m proud to be making a difference in their lives.
- I’ve worked on the Mountain Artists Club overseeing the Student Art Show for the past several years. My goal was to elevate the show to a higher level, establish written fair guidelines for the show so that students could fairly compete with one another demonstrating the skills and knowledge that they have acquired and receive recognition for their efforts. I’d hope to make the show a championship level show.
- I’m proud that my wife, Cindi & I worked on the Dickson Performing Arts Project. Our efforts did a lot of good.
- I’m proud that my wife, Cindi & I worked on the Pikes Peak Regional Hospital Project. Our efforts did a lot of good there too.
- I’m proud to have worked on starting the Woodland Park Arts Alliance. I helped raise their start-up funding by creating artwork for them and donating much of the profits to the organization. The WPAA has grown into a fine organization helping the community.
10. What obstacles have I overcome?
- I started out from a large poor family with nothing and slowly built a successful career with the help of all those people that loved and cared about me. I owe so much to so many. It has been a great adventure.
11. What lessons have I learned from them?
- I’ve learned that anything is possible if you keep your dream alive, work hard, learn as much as you can, ask for help when you need it, accept help, give more than you ask for, produce more than you consume, Love freely and completely and never ever give up. Life is beautiful. Life is hard. Life is gift. Life is too short. Always be grateful.
12. What new art or business skills have you learned in the last year?
- I’m learning how to create videos to be shared with my fellow artists and students. I’m hoping that these videos provide information on increasing artistic and business skills. I hope to touch more people in a positive and beneficial way.
13. What training/education have you completed, and what did you gain from those experiences?
- I earned a BFA from the world-renowned Kansas City Art Institute. Attending the KCAI provided me with the essential skills of becoming a professional artist. My time there was difficult in that I was so very poor. I lived mostly on oatmeal for a whole winter. I learned to persevere.
- I earned the CPF (Certified Picture Framer) designation from the International Professional Picture Framers Association. As the only person to have earned the CPF in the entire Kansas City region, I earned the respect of my peers.
- I was awarded the “Rose Award” from the Susan K. Black Foundation. It was a total surprise. I treasure this honor. I feel it is like receiving an Academy Award or a Grammy.
"ROSE AWARD"
The Award Reads:
(“The Susan Kathleen Black Foundation’s Board of Directors, with unanimous consent, recognizes the value and unselfish contributions of
Kenneth W. Shanika
for best capturing the purpose and spirit of the Foundation, and as a testimonial to his leadership, and the great respect and admiration in which he is held, we accord him our highest honor by granting him
The Rose Award
Awarded September 2010
Dubois, Wyoming”)
- I’ve earned the designation as a “Certified Teen Art Instructor” from the Susan K. Black Foundation. With the support of the SKB I’ve been able to teach my teen students.
- My work has won “People’s Choice Award many, many times. I believe that the “People’s Choice Awards” are among the best awards to win. No pressure. No prejudice. You win this reward by touching the hearts of the people viewing the artwork in the show or competition. It means you touched people hearts. That’s always my goal.
- I’ve won the Mayor’s Award many times. This is an honor.
14. Where can people find my artwork?
Shanika Studio
The largest selection of my artwork can be view online at www.ShanikaFineArts.com
38 Crow Road - Lake Ozark, MO 65049
303-941-8300 [email protected]
15. What organizations are you associated with and in what ways? (member, officer, founder) How does each organization contribute to your art career or personal development?
- I’m the founder and was the Director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters until 2023.
- I’m an honored member of the Susan K. Black Foundation.
- I am a member or have been a member of the following prestigious artists groups: (OPA) Oil Painters of America, (APA) the American Plains Artists, (MVIPS) the Missouri Valley Impressionists Society, the Bierstadt Group, and others.
16. Have you won any awards?
- a. I’ve won many awards over the years both for my business skills, my custom picture framing skills, my artist’s skills and my leadership skills. I’ve been very blessed. The most important ones to me are the ones my friends and peers bestowed upon me. The “Rose Award” from the Susan K. Black Foundation, the “True Blue Award’ from the members of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters, the Purchase Award from the Wind River Artists Guild in Dubois, Wyoming, the ‘Mayor’s Award of Excellence” that I received two times at the Estes Park Painting The Parks Plein Air, and all the ‘People’s Choice” awards I’ve won at shows and competitions.
17. Have you or your work been mentioned in the media?
- I was interviewed by BOLD JOURNEY online magazine in 2024. You can view the interview at www.BoldJourney.com search Kenneth Shanika.
- Over the years I’ve been in many media publications, magazines and newspapers. As a businessman, my business was published in a magazine called “Distinctively Kansas City” where we were highlighted as among the best in the Kansas City area.
- I’ve been interview in Décor Magazine, Picture Framer Magazine and Professional Picture Framer magazine. My work has been shown in Southwest Art and Art of the West magazines. The Estes Park newspaper, the Courier, the Mountain Jackpot, and the Colorado Springs Gazette and many others have interviewed me.
18. Do you accept commissions?
- Yes I do. I’ve completed many commissions over the years and have satisfied every patron providing a beautiful and uniquely person piece of artwork them.
19. How could owning your work enrich the patron’s life?
- Adding artwork to one’s life enhances their environment and adds beauty to their lives. It gives them a place to escape from their busy life. By surrounding your family with fine artwork you teach your children about the value of artwork to mankind and you can share that with everyone you bring into your house.
- 1. What is your philosophy on creating and collecting your artwork?
- "I believe that creating a fine piece of artwork requires patience, time and hard work. As a result of this conviction, you can expect to see only the finest examples of my artwork reach the art market. I intend to exceed my patron’s expectations. I believe that viewing and acquiring art is uniquely personal. Building a fine art collection takes time, it is not a goal, but it is an adventure. My goal is to assist you in selecting one of my original paintings for your collection. Enjoy the journey.”
20. How do you spend your time outside of the studio, including hobbies, interests, sports, family, and volunteer activities?
- I enjoy spending time with my loving wife hiking, canoeing, fishing and gardening.
- I enjoy woodworking and building things.
- I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with my friends.
- I enjoy taking time every summer to mentor a student at the SKB Artists Workshop in the small town of Dubois, Wyoming.
- I’m a member of the Mountain Artists Club where I volunteer with the annual Student Art Show, the Mountain Arts Festival, the Holiday Art Show and anything else that is needed.
21. Who are your happy patrons?
- a. Over my long career I’ve had many, many happy patrons, too many to mention. I’ve been making a living in this industry since the 1970’s and have sold nearly every piece of artwork I’ve created and shown.
22. In what ways are you making a difference in people’s lives?
- I believe that I make a difference in the life of my wife: I’m a good husband and provide for my family. I fix things that break. My wife says in jest, “I think I’ll keep him around. Ken’s a work in progress, I’m not finished with him yet.”
- My daughter: I’m always there for her. I’m proud of her. I’d walk through fire for her.
- My friends: When a friend needs me, the only quest I ask is, “Where are you and how can I help”. I’m there for them.
- My artist friends: I share everything I’ve ever learned about the art business, about being an artist and about how to enjoy this wonderful journey. I teach.
- My students: I share everything I’ve ever learned about the art business, about being an artist and about how to enjoy this wonderful journey. I teach. I try my best to inspire them and show them that choosing art as a career can be a viable and happy choice.
Sample:
Landscape painter Kenneth Shanika makes his home in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The Ozarks, Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains serve as inspirations for his paintings. He is equally comfortable setting up his easel in the mountains, along the banks of a lake, on a country road, on location, or in the comfort of his studio.
After earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the world-renown Kansas City Art Institute in 1975, Ken decided to become self-employed and started his own successful art gallery business. He owned and operated his galleries for nearly thirty years.
In 1997 he and his wife Cindi decided to move the Colorado, then in 2021 to Missouri, where Ken could practice creating his art full-time. After hand-building their home, Ken (and Cindi) dedicated all his (their) time to re-establishing his painting career, started Shanika Fine Arts and despite the economy, his paintings found homes with collectors through galleries and private website sales.
“I believe that a painting is successful when the viewer feels as though they are standing right where I was standing when I created the painting. I want them to feel, smell, taste, hear and almost taste the place. I hope that they feel as though they discovered the place.”
“Ken Shanika’s paintings touch me. I connect with them. They are beautiful.” Attests Donna Heikes. Her thoughts mirror that of collectors, viewers, and gallery owners, many of whom comment on Ken’s unique vision, approach to his subject matter and story telling. His paintings touch the viewer in an emotional and personal way. When you walk into a gallery, you instantly recognize Ken’s artwork. His work stands out. Ken’s work is distinctive and people relate to Ken’s work.
He has been honored many times when his work has won the “People’s Choice Award” and the Mayor’s Award of Excellence” at shows such as the Estes Park Rocky Mountain National Plein Air Competition and the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters art shows.
His work is available directly from the artist at Shanika Studio www.ShanikaFineArts.com .
Testimonials:
“I enjoy taking art lessons from Ken Shanika. His studio is a brief but beautiful drive from Woodland Park. His classes are a bright spot in my week.” Nancy Jefferson
“Ken has been an inspirational force in our artistic development. He is not only my art teacher, he has become my friend.” Umneo Smith
“It is so exciting to watch Ken’s teen students flourish under his tutelage. Ken always beams with pride when he talks about his teen students.” Carmen Rameriz
“Ken’s students leave his classes with a sense of inspiration, purpose and maturity.” Nancy Jefferson
“Ken motivates me and inspires me.” Peggi Severini
"Ken is not only my painting instructor, he's my life couch." Brandon Kramer
“These are the components that always go into creating a fine piece of artwork: preparation, incubation, inspiration, production and rejuvenation.” Kenneth Shanika
The true investment in art: Enriches our lives
“It is not about the monetary costs of art. Its real investment is deeper and much more meaningful. Art enriches your personal experience, it influences your family and it adds beauty to your environment. Sharing and exposing art to your children and grandchildren enhances their lives.
It is like fine music, food or the theater, it enriches your life!” Kenneth Shanika
“Easy is not often the best.” Kenneth Shanika
My work:
“In a gallery full of artwork, my work is instantly recognizable. It is distinctive.” Ken Shanika
“I faithfully followed my own vision in the face of criticism or current fads.” Ken Shanika
*****
“The other interesting positive personality trait of creative people is that they are exploratory and adventuresome - willing to endure rejection and repeated failure because they believe so strongly in the value of what they do. They like to teach themselves, rather than be fed information, and that can lead to thinking differently, which in turn, can lead to new insights and ultimately, inspiration. Aha!” unknown.
Artist’s Perspective
Chocolate and coffee mix well. I love to paint, woodworking, furniture building, gardening, every minute with my family and my artist friends. All these things nourish me. I always intend to give more than I ask for. I build. I don’t destroy. I believe everything is better when shared.
When painting, my objective is to tell a story and, at the same time, to conjure up some emotion from the viewer. I strive to achieve a mood in every painting through the use of such visual stimuli as subject, color, pattern, and drawing. I have derived my style from the lifelong study of past masters, the influence of contemporary painters, and elements that have evolved from deep within myself. I allow the setting to speak to me, I use as many brushstrokes as are needed for the viewer's eyes to understand and connect. My paintings evoke a strong emotion, the sense of “being there.” If someone can view my work and sense the cold, taste the dampness, hear the stream flowing or feel the sun beating down, then I have been successful.
When you own one of my paintings, I believe, you’ll enjoy a potential masterpiece. As my reputation grows so will your investment. The investment is greater than just monetarily; it enhances the quality of your life and that of your family. Every time you look at your artwork, you can escape to a special, wonderful, personal place. Your new family heirloom will last for generations as I employ only the finest materials and workmanship.
I attended the world-renown Kansas City Art Institute on scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. For the first part of my career, I started, owned and operated several fine art galleries and high-end custom picture framing businesses. During that time, I constantly worked on my own paintings consisting of figurative works, abstract works as well as landscapes.
Since moving to Colorado to paint full-time, I have been focusing on depicting the ‘Vanishing Vistas’ here in the Rocky Mountains. In doing so, I have been honored by receiving numerous awards and recognition of my peers. I have been mentioned in such magazines as Art of the West and Southwest Art. My artwork has been shown in museums and included in public and private collections.
For nearly 40 years, I have generously given back to my community; recipients include local schools, churches, public television stations, Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, Dickson Performing Arts, Teller County Student Art Show, the Susan K. Black Foundation and many more. When a helping hand is needed, I help. I believe that everything in life is better when it is shared.
I co-founded and am the director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters. We are a group of regional artists supporting and encouraging each other. Over the years we have earned a reputation for quality and professionalism.
I am quite proud of the mentoring I do here in Woodland Park. Over the past years my teenage students have won an extremely large number of awards for their efforts. I am very proud of them. Hard work and striving for excellence pays off. My classes are open to any area teenager or adult dedicated to the serious study of art.
Kenneth W. Shanika
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Resume
Kenneth W. Shanika
Objective
My objective is to share my personal artistic vision with other people, to explore an interpret the beauty of the world around me, to record the vanishing west through my paintings, to mentor, teach and inspire using my nearly 40 years of experience in the art world.
Experience
Professional, Full-time Artist. 1998 - present
Co-founder and Director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters 2002- 2023
Master Signature Member – Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters
Recipient of the “Rose Award” from the Susan K. Black Foundation
Certified Teen Instructor by the Susan K. Black Foundation
Current & past affiliations/memberships:
Associate Member of Oil Painters of America
Associate Member American Plains Artists
Associate Member Missouri Valley Impressionists Society
Owner - The Colony Bistro Art Gallery & Frame Shop, Inc. 1977-1998
Established and operated the business Overland Park, KS
Owner - America’s Heartland Art & Frame Shop Gallery 1995-1998
Established and operated the business Lenexa, KS
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA) Painting/Printmaking 1972-1975
The Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO. Attended via scholarship, studied both painting & printmaking. Works selected for senior traveling show (Union of Independent Art Schools)
Certified Picture Framer (CPF) International Picture Framers Association 1984 (Lifetime Designation)
Skills
Plein Air Painting / studio painting in oils, acrylics, watercolor, drawing, teacher / mentor
Accomplished wood worker, designer and builder of artist’s pochade boxes
Designer and builder of fine furniture, cabinets, jewelry boxes, picture frames
Skilled at operating art gallery / custom picture framing. Multi-award winning artist
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kenneth W. Shanika Artists At A Glance…..
Born: St. Louis, Missouri - 1951
Education: Elementary and High School in St Louis, Mo. Scholar / Athlete, nominated as senior class president, four-year varsity letterman, Co-Captain of track and cross-country teams.
College: University of Missouri - Rolla, School of Engineering. 1971-1972 Deans Honor Roll spring 1972. The Kansas City Art Institute 1972 - 1975 Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. (BFA) Scholarship. Studied under Wilbur Niewald (Chairman of Painting Department) and William McKim (Chairman of Printmaking Department)
Professional: Started, owned and operated The Colony Bistro Art Gallery & Frame Shop, Inc. and America’s Heartland Art & Frame Shop located in the Kansas City area from 1977 thru 1998. Considered “Distinctively Kansas City”. Earned the highly respected “Certified Picture Framer” (CPF) lifetime designation from the International Professional Picture framers Association. (1984), “Distinctively Kansas City”
Moved to Colorado in 1998 to pursue his career as a full time professional artist.
Relocated to Lake Ozark, Mo in 2025
Married: Cindi (wife), Jennifer (daughter)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Awards / Shows
2018
Director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters
Featured Artist for the annual Mueller State Park Fine Art Show
Co-Sponsor of the Muller State Park Art Benefit Show
Co-Sponsor of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Benefit Art Show
Susan K. Black Foundation instructor/mentor for the school in Dubois, Wyoming
Led my students through 4 Student Art Shows
My student enters the 5th Congressional Student Art Show
2017
Director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters
Co-Sponsor of the Muller State Park Art Benefit Show
Co-Sponsor of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Benefit Art Show
Susan K. Black Foundation instructor/mentor for the school in Dubois, Wyoming
Led my students through 4 Student Art Shows
My student Jared Brady won the 5th Congressional Student Art Show Grand Prize
2016
Director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters
Co-Sponsor of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Benefit Art Show
Susan k. Black Foundation instructor/mentor for the school in Dubois, Wyoming
Led my students through 4 Student Art Shows
My student Grace Medran won the 5th Congressional Student Art Show Grand Prize (She won a trip to Washington DC, her art hung in the Capitol for a year)
My student Kayla Liller won the 5th Congressional Student Art Show 2'nd Prize. (She won a trip to Denver, CO, her art hung in the Board of Education for a year)
2015
Director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters
Susan k. Black Foundation instructor/mentor for the school in Dubois, Wyoming
Led my students through 4 Student Art Shows
My student enters the 5th Congressional Student Art Show
2014
Directed the Teller County Student Art Show
Led my students through 4 Student Art Shows
Taught Summer Art Workshop in Woodland Park, CO
Taught Summer Art Workshop in Dubois, WY
Mentored at the 2012 SBK Artists Workshop in Wyoming
Missouri Valley Impressionists Society Museum Show at the Albert-Kemper Museum in St. Joseph, MO
2013
Directed the Teller County Student Art Show
Led my students through 4 Student Art Shows
Taught Summer Teen Art Workshop in Woodland Park, CO
Taught Summer Teen Art workshop in Victor, Colorado
Mentored at the 2012 SBK Artists Workshop in Wyoming
Susan K. Black Artists’ Foundation Show” –Dubois, Wyoming
2012
Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters Show hosted by 7-Arrows Gallery
Directed the Teller County Student Art Show
Led my students through 4 Student Art Shows
Taught Summer Teen Art Workshop in Woodland Park, CO
Taught Plein Air Workshop in Woodland Park
Judge of the Victor Celebrates the Arts Plein Air Show
Mentored at the 2012 SBK Artists Workshop in Wyoming
Susan K. Black Artists’ Foundation Show” –Dubois, Wyoming
2011
Hunter/Wolff Gallery Show – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters Show – Seven Arrows Gallery – Woodland Park, Colorado
People’s Choice Award
62nd Wind River Valley Artists’ Guild Show – Dubois, Wyoming
Susan K. Black Artists’ Foundation Show” –Dubois, Wyoming
Oil Painters of America Regional Paint-Out Show – Seven Arrows Gallery – Woodland Park, Colorado
One Man Show” Seven Arrows Gallery, Woodland Park, Colorado
2010
“Prelude Show” Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts – Palmer Lake, CO
Hunter/Wolff Gallery Show – Colorado Springs, Colorado
26th American Plains Arts Show – Great Plains Art Museum, Lincoln, Nebraska
Invitational Show to Benefit the Colorado Springs Opera
61st Wind River Valley Artists’ Guild Show – Dubois, Wyoming
“Master Works Show” Reily Fine Arts – Estes Park, Colorado
Susan K. Black Artists’ Foundation Show” –Dubois, Wyoming Recipient of the “Rose Award”
Palmer Land Trust Benefit Show – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Oil Painters of America Regional Paint-Out Show – Seven Arrows Gallery – Woodland Park, Colorado
One Man Show” Seven Arrows Gallery, Woodland Park, Colorado
*“The Russell” Show to Benefit the C M Russell Museum – Great Falls, Montana
2009
Wind River Valley Artist’s Guild 60th National Show
First Place – Landscape – Oil – Professional & People’s Choice Award - Landscape
PPPAP/Hunter Wolff Gallery Show People’s Choice Award
Estes Park Plein Air Juries Invitational
SKB Miniature Show
Wind River Valley Artists’ Guild Miniature Show
Reily Fine Arts Miniature Show
2008
Estes Park Plein Air 2008 Painting The Parks - National Juried Invitational Mayor’s Choice Gold Award
Wind River Valley Artist’s Guild’s 59th Annual Juried Show
Seventh S.K.B. Juried Invitational Miniature Art Show “People’s Choice Award” &
“Best Kitchen Helper Award”
Palmer Land Trust Invitational Art Show
2007
C M Russell Museum Miniature Show – Great Falls, Montana
First Pikes Peak Regional Hospital Annual Fund Raiser Artist
Pike Peak Plein Air Painter’s Forth Annual Show in Estes Park
Wind River Valley Artist’s Guild’s 58th Annual Juried Show
Estes Park’s “Painting the Parks” National Juried Show
Palmer Land Trust Art Show Invitational Show
2006
Wind River Valley Artists’ Guild 57th Annual Juried Invitational Show WRVAG’s
“Purchase Award” & “People’s Choice “
Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters 3rd annual Show hosed by the
Cultural Arts Council Gallery of Estes Park – “Peoples Choice Award”
Featured Artist of the Rocky Mountain PBS Television Telethon
Estes Park’s “Painting the Parks” National Juried Show
2005
One Man Show “Under Western Skies “
Hosted by Earthwood Collections Gallery in Estes Park
Featured Artist of the Rocky Mountain PBS Television Telethon
Richard James Gallery Holiday Miniature Show – Charleston, SC
2004
Estes Park Plein Air 2004 Painting The Parks - National Juried Invitational “Mayor’s Award Of Excellence “
Selected as the First Official City of Woodland Park Holiday Ornament Design
2003
Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters 1st annual Show hosed by the
Cultural Arts Council Gallery of Estes Park – “Peoples Choice Award”
Estes Park Plein Air 2003 Painting The Parks - National Juried Invitational “Top 18 Award”
Estes Park Plein Air Painting The Parks - National Juried Invitational
Invited 2003 – 2004 – 2005 – 2006 – 2007 – 2008 - 2009
Invited to the National Susan K. Black Foundation Artist Workshop
2002 – 2003 – 2004 – 2005 – 2006 – 2007 – 2008 – 2009-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014
Chico Basin Ranch Invitational Artist Retreat 2005 – 2006 - 2007
Featured Artist for the Dickson Performing Arts Holiday Homes Tour
2002 – 2003 – 2004 – 2005 – 2006 - 2007
Colorado Springs Art Guild Juried Show “Spontaneity 2003”
“Springs Seven” Pikes Peak Center Show
Glenwood Springs Art Show - Montrose Art Show
Victor Celebrates the Arts Plein Air Show - Gilpin County Art Shows
Honorary Juror of paintings for the 57th annual Gilpin County Art Show
Artwork shown in numerous issues of Southwest Art Magazine
Director and co-founder of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters,
A nationally recognized affiliation of regional professional artists
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My Views On Plein Air Painting
By Kenneth W. Shanika
The term “En Plein Air” is French . It roughly translates as “in the open air”. In art terms, artwork created “en plein air” refers to work produced directly from the source. Artists painting on location in front of the landscape, a still life or directly from the model are working “en plein air“. Another term often heard is the term “alla prima”. This term is Italian and translates as “at once from the source”. It refers to art created in one session. Artists who say they created their art “alla prima - en plein air” means they produced their artwork directly from the source and completed it in one session. That’s quite a feat. It’s very difficult. That takes a great deal of effort, concentration and skill.
For me, all things considered, the most important thing is to create the best artwork that I can. A great many of my paintings are executed en plein air. I work from the direct source as mush as I can, however I do not limit myself, the amount of time it takes to produce the work, or other resources available to me. To complete my artwork I will sometimes use photographs of the direct source, sketches, and any of the best tools available to me to assist me in my creative process. I am committed to using the best paints, brushes and materials I can obtain. I constantly try to learn from the finest artists that came before me and the leading artists that are working today. I work in many mediums including oil, acrylics, watercolor, printmaking, drawing and woodworking. To me being an artist means no limits imposed on me.
For me, plein air is not an ends, but is a means. Plein air painting is a tool. It is a very important tool to use to create great paintings. It is the best way to convey the particular place and time and experiences I am trying to capture in a particular piece of art.
Some artists try to qualify plein air painting by defining the amount of the painting created on location. I do not. To me, “plein air” refers to art created primarily, but not exclusively from the direct source. It is that simple. I always critique my paintings before I consider them complete. Often, I’ll let them rest for a time, thus giving myself a fresh eye so that I can be objective reviewing my work. If needed, I will make adjustments to the painting. I’ll check my drawing, the colors, values, temperatures, edges, and everything else necessary to make the painting the best it can be. Then I’ll sign it. I owe that to my patrons. They always deserve the best I can do.
When I label a work of mine “plein air”, that will mean the work was created primarily on location from the source. My studio work is created in the studio not primarily from the direct source.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kenneth W. Shanika …….. An Artist’s Journey
Working in his studio, in beautiful Lake Ozark, Kenneth Shanika spends almost every day fulfilling his life's dream of being an artist. There is seldom a day that passes that you won't find him hard at work creating paintings. Numerous paintings are scattered around his studio in various stages of completion. When he is not in the studio you can find him painting outdoors. His primary focus is creating landscape paintings in oils. His favorite subjects are the Ozark Mountains, rivers and lakes and the beautiful scenes of the Rocky Mountains. "I like to look for the subtle beauty of these areas." However those are not his only subjects. He returns to Wyoming yearly and regularly travels from New Mexico to Montana expanding his subject matter.
"I get so excited; there is so much beauty here. I can't control my passion. I have this burning desire to share my discoveries with other people." Ken is in the process of creating a series of paintings of the Pikes Peak region and translating them into Giclee prints and greeting cards. His work is growing in popularity and so is the demand for his original paintings. "I can only produce a limited number of paintings, so to bring my work to a larger number of people we made the decision to produce quality prints of some of my paintings." Greeting cards can be found in numerous retail outlets in the region.
Ken and his wife Cindi are very grateful to be living their dream. It was a long road getting here. The following is a short summary of Ken's background.
"I was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1951, the second and oldest male of eight children. I could never resist the urge to draw. The backs and edges of many of my homework and test pages were often covered with drawings. I suppose my artistic ability came to me from my father. My father was a well-known professional artist and I owe much of my artistic background to him. As a young boy, I spent many hours watching him paint. He inspired me greatly.
While at the Kansas City Art Institute on scholarship, I studied painting and drawing under the chairman of the painting department, Wilbur Niewald, and printmaking under the chairman of the print making department, Bill McKim. I was graduated in 1975, receiving a B.F.A. degree, with a split-major in painting and printmaking.
My senior year, two of my original lithographs were included in Union of Independent Art Colleges Annual Traveling Art Show representing Kansas City Art Institute. The show traveled to all of the member schools. I was honored that my works were included representing the Kansas City Art Institute.
I started, the Colony Bistro Art Gallery & Frame Shop, Inc. in 1977. We became one of the most respected galleries in the Kansas City area. By the mid 90's I owned and operated two galleries, the Colony Bistro Art Gallery & Frame Shop, Inc. and America's Heartland Art & Frame Shop. I also found time to continue to produce and sell my artwork. .
I feel that my artwork is a reflection of my feelings. It is very personal. If I were asked to describe my "style" of work, I would call it "intimate". I prefer to work in oil paints. I sometime work in watercolor, and acrylic, with an underlying love of drawing, especially in color.
In 1997 we moved to Colorado. My wife and I purchased some property on the side of a hill in the mountains and built our dream home. I have been painting full time since. I paint en plein-air and in the studio. My favorite subject to paint is the ever changing and beautiful Rocky Mountains.
My objective is to share my personally unique artistic vision with other people, to establish myself as a fine artist, to be recognized by my peers as an artist that creates quality work, to be represented by fine galleries and to have a strong base of patrons. I would love to be among the elite group of artists that are successful financially and therefore enabling me to grow and share more. My greatest satisfaction comes from sharing my knowledge and experience with other people. I love to give of myself. I am the co-founder and director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters, a group of regional professional artists.
In summary, I love my work. Being an artist is a wonderful way to live your life. I love the hard work, the intensity and exhilaration of creativity. I love being able to put a little bit of myself down in paint.
“ Happiness and success are not places, they are roads one takes. And the story continues...."
Patrons are welcome to visit his studio by appointment.
Contact Information: Shanika Studio 900 Tamarac Pkwy Box 7361 Woodland Park, CO 80863.
Phone; 303-941-8300 Email at [email protected].
Visit my website to view a selection of current work at www.ShanikaFineArts.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
