Growing up in Chicago, Arizona artist Kenneth Freeman became entranced
with art at the tender age of 6 when his mother took him for his first visit to the
Chicago Art Institute. This love was to portend his future. Four years later, he began
studying under the strict training of Joseph De Salvi, who was schooled in Rome, and in
high school, Freeman won a series of scholarships to the American Academy of Art where he
trained under William Mosby. After completing his studies, the enthusiastic young artist
ventured forth on what would become a successful 20-year career as an illustrator.
John Singer Sargent has long been one of Freeman's idols. For this reason, the artist
maintains a portrait style in all his art forms including oils, bronzes and most recently
etched glass. Freeman's fascination with the history and culture of his current home state
has inspired him to choose the western life style as his subject matter. His many
paintings explore the cowboy in modern times and the ageless culture of today's Native
Americans.
First Lady Barbara Bush was sufficiently impressed with Freeman's Southwestern art that
she invited him to show at the Smithsonian Institution in conjunction with their Native
American exhibition. Freeman is also known for original art and posters that depict the
Hashknife pony express ride. Arizona Senator John Kyle selected two of these posters for
display in the Library of Congress and to be included in the Legacy Project.
Freeman's work has been featured in Southwest Art and Arizona Highways.
He also illustrated book covers for numerous western writers, including renowned
author,
Louis L'Amour. Additionally he produced a collection of original works
for Hamilton
Collectibles ten-plate series called, "Proud in Families".
