ARTIST PROJECT: WOLF

KAHN

By Taylor Barnhill4/3/10

Period 7

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

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.

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.

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.

STYLISTIC TRAITS

Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Pastels and paints Entire spectrum of color

EXAMPLE #1

Dark Barn, Blue Sky -2007

Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Pastels Many different colors

of the spectrum

EXAMPLE #2

Summer -1983

Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Paints Bright colors form the

spectrum

EXAMPLE #3

Evening over the Valley -1975

Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Paints Earthy dark colors of

the spectrum

EXAMPLE #4

Upper Woods -2006

Abstract Color Field Realism Landscape scenery Pastels Bright spectrum of

color

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.

Thanks! Any Questions?