Kenny Harris

Kenny Harris is one in an established history of artists who have
been inspired by the Old World beauty of Paris, France and Florence,
Italy. The California-based artist’s new work focuses on his recent
travels to the two cities. He felt privileged to be able to paint on
what he described as “well trodden and art history saturated land,”
but challenged himself to “see familiar cities with fresh eyes.”

As Harris painted the landscapes and rooftops in Europe, he was
conscious of “the ghosts of Rousseau and Millet,” who painted in the
same area over a century ago. He allowed himself to be influenced by
the mood of each site. “My palette shifted and adapted to the spaces
as I went.” However, the artist felt particularly inspired by the
private interiors he gained admittance to during his time abroad. He
was welcomed into places such as “a friend’s studio in Montreuil, a
restored flat in the center of Florence, and my small flat in Paris.”
Being able to paint in personal living areas was integral in allowing
Harris to gain a more modern perspective of Florence and Paris, and
gave him “unique glimpses into the current state of two European art
capitals.”

A constant theme throughout Harris’ new work is the focus on
“transitional light, space, and reflection,” which serve to set the
mood and create depth in each painting. He found inspiration in a
beam of light illuminating a Parisian hallway or diffused light on a
tree in the forest of Fontainebleau. His loose brush strokes
perfectly convey the shadows and reflections created by the sun. As
the artist states, “the truth in the paintings is always about the
light.”

Kenny Harris received his B.A. in Fine Art from Colorado College in
Colorado Springs and has studied at the Art Student’s League in New
York. He has painted in Italy, France, Honduras, Guatamala, Mexico,
and Cuba in addition to his current residence in California. This is
Kenny Harris’s first solo exhibition at the George Billis Gallery.

Judith Nilson