Don Kennedy

Murray State University graduate Don Kennedy, ’56, ’58, returned to MSU in October for an exhibition of his watercolor paintings in the Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery in the Fine Arts building on MSU’s campus. Kennedy also donated a watercolor painting titled, “Outer Island Light,” to the Easley Alumni Center .

Becky Atkinson , Clara M. Eagle gallery director, said, “The exhibition was extremely popular among the visitors of the gallery. His use of color was particularly stunning in our small Foyer Gallery. It was remarkable to meet a MSU alumnus who has done so much in his life, with his work and travels, and still holds dear his experience at this institution. His generosity and talent were very much appreciated.”

Kennedy, who earned his bachelor’s degree in history and physical education and master’s degree in physical education, returned to MSU to show his appreciation of the Murray community. “My mother Murial graduated from Murray High School and many of my family members lived and died in Murray . I enjoyed my experience at MSU and appreciate the beauty of this community,” Kennedy said.

Born in Lima , Ohio , Kennedy spent most of his adolescent years in Hammonds , Ind. While attending MSU, he was a member of the Delta Alpha fraternity, the now Sigma Chi fraternity, and the International Relations Club. Kennedy studied under such faculty members as C.S. Lowery and Harry Sparks.

Kennedy’s art studies include an art degree from the Hammond Vocational School in Indiana, as well as additional painting classes at Daytona Beach Community College and Stetson University . He has also attended several workshops in Florida and Maine .

His education career spanned 35 years as a teacher, coach and counselor from the middle school through community college levels. Since his retirement in 1989 from the Volusa County School System in Florida , Kennedy has been able to focus on painting. With his wife Evelyn, Kennedy has spent many summers vacationing on the coast of Maine since 1990. With its quaint lighthouses and picturesque views, the landscape has become a favorite of Kennedys. “I find it hard not to paint such beautiful scenery,” says Kennedy, “The L-shaped composition is so pleasing to the eye.” Kennedy’s vivid use of color with coastal scenery gives his work a unique sense of style and appeal, “I see my paintings as timeless. You really can’t put any era or date on them.” Other reoccurring images in Kennedy’s work include farm scenes and church buildings.

Painting, especially watercolors, has been a life-long passion for Kennedy. Growing up, he and his family moved often due to his father’s job with the SS Kresge Co., known today as the K-Mart Corp. Painting for Kennedy has always been a familiar escape.

Starting this year, Kennedy donates half of all proceeds made from his paintings to charity. He allows the people who purchase his paintings to choose the group or organization to receive the money. “This is a way people buying my paintings and I both can give something to others. It is rewarding to see the joy my paintings brings to them, as well as the people they choose to make a donation to,” says Kennedy.

Kennedy does not seek fame or fortune with his paintings. He enjoys the places his paintings take him and the people he meets along the way. “People may not like my paintings, but I hope they can at least look at my work to the point of appreciation,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy’s studio is located at his home in Ormond Beach , Fla. Since 1990, he has received over 100 awards for his paintings, including First Place or Best of Show for the Art League of Daytona Beach , Fla. , Main Street Art Show in Rockland , Maine , and the Center Park Art Festival in Winter Haven , Fla. His signature memberships include the Florida Watercolor Society and the International Society of Marine Painters.

Anyone interested in purchasing one of Kennedy’s paintings or information about his upcoming art shows, can contact him at 386-677-7445.