"The Soft Touch" is the term used to describe Ken Peterson's style of painting. By using a palette knife, Ken lays color upon color without losing the quality of the tone. The scenes he depicts are not always any place he knows, but some place he would like to be. These thoughts put more feeling into his work, resulting in a mystical impression for the viewer.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ken says he "moved to the sticks" at the age of eleven. The closeness he has developed with "Mother Nature" gives him that special feeling he depicts in his paintings.

Ken's work is displayed in hundreds of private and corporate collections nationwide and in Germany, China and Japan. His most prestigious honor was being juried into a show that included noted artist Olaf Weighorst and John Clymer. "History books are written about these guys", says Ken.

Ken exhibits his art at roughly a dozen shows a year in the southwest region.

Ken's fascination with the many moods and colors of the Grand Canyon has inspired him to paint more scenes of that breath taking national phenomenon.  He travels to this location often, bringing his daughters as often as possible.  From white water rafting trips, to helicopter rides, to last years hiking the North Rim to the South Rim, he enjoys it all.

In addition to the fun he's having, Ken says he still has much to learn about his art.  Despite his 30-plus years experience.  "If I live to be150 years old, I'll never learn all there is to know about oil painting.  I don't care how long you paint, or create, you're always going to learn something."

Ken's philosophy is simple...Ken says "I wish I had been the first to say, 'Stop and smell the roses!' Those five words Say it all......"

Ken can be reached at:
Fountain Hills, Arizona
Phone: (602) 550-5348.

Or E-mail Ken at Ken@oilsbyken.com

Ken has a daughter that is also an artist. Her name is Tracy Sadlo.  She has inherited her sense of image composition from Ken and has translated it to the art of photography. Tracy's work can be viewed at www.whisperingimpressions.com .