2. Vital Statistics Born in 1927 in Stuttgart, Germany. German/American Male Married to Emily Mason. Has two daughters, Cecily and Melany. Lives in New York and Vermont
3. Key Personal Events Fled Germany for America in 1940, giving him exposure to both German and American art. Attended an art and music high school in New York City. Studied at the Hans Hofmann School, acquired his true passion for painting. Kahn continued on to the University of Chicago. Kahn spent time as a lumberjack. Traveled to places all over the world and painted landscapes, expanding art skills and techniques. Kahn lived in Italy and this inspired him to use light. At age 80, has a vision impairment that has improved his art.
4. Key Historical Events Lived in Nazi Germany which added meaning to his art. Lived in America through the 1950s and 1960s in times of painterly freedom. New ways of transportation, like airplanes , allowed Kahn to travel the world at ease.
5. Influence of Art World Attended a school under the teachings of Hans Hofmann. Used Hofmann’s practice of using nature as a starting point in a painting. Inspired by Matisse’ palate of colors. Inspired by Rothko’s color choices and usage of Color Field. Inspired by American Impressionism. As art changed over time, for example when pop art became popular, it inspired Kahn to continue as a landscape painter but get away from description. Kahn received numerous art awards. Kahn’s views have made him a highly regarded colorist and admired landscapist.
6. Stylistic Traits Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Pastels and paints Entire spectrum of color
7. Example #1 Dark Barn, Blue Sky -2007 Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Pastels Many different colors of the spectrum
8. Example #2 Summer -1983 Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Paints Bright colors form the spectrum
9. Example #3 Evening over the Valley -1975 Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Paints Earthy dark colors of the spectrum
10. Example #4 Upper Woods-2006 Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Pastels Bright spectrum of color
11. My Original Art Titled Beach at Sunset because its my interpretation of a sunset at a New England beach. I chose to paint a beach because it is a common topic scene in Kahn’s art. I used one of Kahn’s mediums and used Color Field, like Wolf Kahn does. I also added many colors from browns and blues to bright pinks and oranges. It was hard to decide what colors to use and blend them together. Strengths of my art: using the right spectrum of color. Weaknesses of my art: Blending of colors.
