tigerweb.jpg
Anna+May.jpg
Kennedy_River.jpg
lion16x20.jpg
Springwatermill12+by18.jpg
owl16x20.jpg
dragonflyweb.jpg
Artistsgift12x15.jpg
Elephant.jpg
orangedahliaweb (1).jpg

Welcome to Megan K M Kennedy’s

Fine Art Gallery

With a deep-rooted passion for art, I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. My love for art continues to grow as I explore and excel in new artistic mediums.

As an artist rooted in Northern Colorado, I specialize in a diverse range of mediums including traditional oil painting, intricate drawings, Henna tattoos, and high-quality Giclee art prints. My name is Megan K McBride-Kennedy, and with a passion for art, I believe that my art pieces would contribute a unique and compelling perspective to shops and galleries in Northern Colorado.

Having exhibited my work in various galleries across Greeley, Loveland, and Windsor, I pride myself on delivering art that captivates and resonates with viewers. Beyond traditional means of creating art, I also offer the unique experience of Henna/mehndi tattoos, using this form of expression as a bridge to engage with customers and spark conversations about art and creativity.

I am actively seeking new opportunities to extend the reach of my creations, offer exclusive art prints, and provide Henna tattoo services to a wider audience.

- Megan K McBride-Kennedy

Gallery Page Navigation

Jump to your Favorite Sections on this Page

Drawings

As an artist I am an observer pulling inspiration from the natural world. When drawing I employ a high amount of detail and tend to focus on animals & portraits.

Growing up, drawing consumed my world, it was more than just a hobby. - it was a passion that breathed life into every moment, a language through which I communicated. As I grew older, my love for drawing only deepened. It was my way of unraveling the complexities of life. I found myself lost in the intricate details of each art piece, losing track of time as I sketched faces, landscapes, and fantasies. Drawing gave me a sense of clarity and purpose, a way to make sense of the world around me. It is the thread that connected my past, present, and future.

Faber-Castell Pencils: HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B and my favorite pencil 8B (Darkest). I only use graphite pencil when I draw. These pencils have waxes, emulsifies, fatty acids and a cellulose binder mixed into the lead. 

Prisma Colored Pencils: Main ingredients are wax based lead, graphite, clay and binders. I tend to like the look and feel of wax based pencils because of their blend ability.

Wrinkles

Original sold during the 2018 Arts Picnic at The Tointon Gallery, Greeley Colorado, Graphite pencil on paper, 16 by 20.

The Lovely Tiger

Original Colored Pencil on Black Paper. 12 x 18

The artwork portrays a strikingly beautiful tiger, seemingly brought to life by the colors that overlay black paper canvas. Crafted using Prisma colored pencils, the eyes of the tiger exudes a vibrant and lively energy that captivates the viewer's gaze. Intricate details bring the tiger's majestic form to life - from the play of light and shadow on its fur to the intense gaze in its eyes. The black paper is obscured by the colored pencil, yet it served to intensify the hues, rendering them more vivid and striking.

Kingly Lion

Original Graphite Pencil on Paper. 16 x 20

This stunning lion is created using graphite pencil on paper. This exquisite piece measures 16 by 20 inches, showcasing intricate details and skillful execution. I meticulously focused on every detail to effectively convey the majestic lion's royal demeanor.

Orb Weavers

Original 11x14, Watercolor, watercolor pens & ink.

The Orb Weavers is both a drawing and a Painting.

“The Orb Weavers” watercolor painting draws inspiration from the vibrant colors and rich symbolism of Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. The brown Orb Weaver spider subtly conceals a skull on its back.

The Dahlia is the national flower of Mexico. The flower is linked to the Aztec goddess Xochiquetzal, revered as a symbol of love, beauty, and fertility in Mexican culture. This exquisite flower represents creativity, elegance, dignity. It serves as a reminder of the transformative journey one undertakes in pursuit of personal growth while remaining steadfast in upholding one's values.

Portraits

Wheat Field and Henna

In 2016 I begun to consider what it would take to become a professional portrait artist. The piece Wheat Field and Henna was never intended to be for sale, with no copies or prints available. Employing just a single pencil, I attempted to show how the sunlight filters through the curls of the hair and lights the subject’s face. The models gaze is piercing with a dream like expression. Her eyes are partially closed, the sunlight casting a gentle glow on her face as she sits in the middle of a field. There is a henna tattoo adorning her hand, partially obscured by wheat. Wheat Field and Henna stands as a testament to my journey in mastering the art of portraiture, capturing a moment of tranquility and beauty through the delicate play of light and shadow.

Poppy Flowers

I selected poppies as the flower to match the models beauty due to the ethereal quality in the women's gaze. Her beauty is not only striking but also exudes a sense of serenity and grace.

Poppy flowers are symbolic for remembrance, sleep, and peace. Originating from the Middle East, poppy flowers have a rich history intertwined with various cultures and traditions. The opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, is believed to have been cultivated in the region for thousands of years for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. Over time, the beauty of the poppy flower itself became a source of inspiration for art, poetry, and symbolism across different civilizations.

Poppy flowers not only embody powerful symbolism but also serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of cultures and the enduring beauty that transcends geographical boundaries.

Graphite pencil drawing on paper, 11 by 14

Flower Girl

While Pregnant with my second child I started drawing baby and kid portraits. The first piece features a beautiful “Flower Girl”, with a flower crown. The second artwork “Watermelon” captures a different playful essence of new refreshing experiences.

Watermelon

When I first started sharing my artwork on Instagram, I found myself bombarded with images of celebrity drawings. While there were plenty of famous faces circulating on the platform, not many resonated with me enough to inspire a drawing I would want to hang on my own wall. Ten years ago, celebrity portraits were all the rage, drawing in considerable attention and engagement. Although the trend was tempting, I chose not to partake fully in the modern celebrity drawing craze on Instagram, opting instead for a more personal and unique artistic path.

For the Old Hollywood Drawing Series I drew my artistic inspiration from the golden era of cinema, and the captivating charm and elegance of past decades. With a love for old movies and admiration for the glamorous aesthetics of the "Golden Age" stars. I started drawing and studying the iconic celebrities who graced the screens during that cinematic era, showcasing their timeless allure through my art. The first women I chose to depict was Loretta Young. Other famous faces I have drawn include Judy Garland, Gene Tierney, Audrey Hepburn, Dorothy Dandridge, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, and Senta Berger.

It all started with a portrait of Loretta Young

Old Hollywood Drawing Series

Original Graphite Pencil Drawing on paper 16 by 20

Loretta Young

Loretta Young was a prominent American actress known for her versatile performances in film and television. She rose to fame during Hollywood's Golden Age, captivating audiences with her beauty and talent. Young's career spanned over seven decades, earning her an Academy Award for her role in "The Farmer's Daughter." Off-screen, she was admired for her grace and poise, becoming a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

I decided to illustrate the actress after learning about the distressing experience she went through, being sexually assaulted by the actor Clark Gable. Despite the trauma she endured, she concealed her pregnancy. He orchestrated a staged adoption in order to raise her child without the harsh criticism and judgments from the public in which single mothers often experience. It is truly remarkable the lengths that women are forced to go to and the hardships they face and have faced in society.

The drawing to the right features a very young Loretta Young and Lon Chaney in a scene from the classic movie "Laugh Clown Laugh."

Original Graphite Pencil Drawing on paper. 16 by 20

Original Graphite Pencil Drawing on paper 11 by 14

Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong was a pioneering Chinese American actress who graced the screens of Hollywood during the early 20th century. Born on January 3, 1905, in Los Angeles, Wong's career spanned silent films, talkies, stage, and television. She became the first Asian American actress to gain international fame, known for her captivating on-screen presence and versatility in portraying various roles. Despite facing racial discrimination and limited opportunities, Wong broke barriers and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Anna May Wong, a trailblazing actress in the early 20th century, faced challenges in Hollywood due to racial discrimination. Despite her immense talent and captivating presence on screen, she was limited to supporting roles, never given the opportunity to portray lead characters simply because she was Asian. The prevailing attitudes of the time restricted her ability to showcase her full potential. Frustrated and disillusioned by the lack of substantial roles and meaningful opportunities in her own country, Wong made the courageous decision to leave the United States for Europe.

In Europe, Anna May Wong found greater acceptance and recognition for her talent, securing more prominent roles that allowed her to fully demonstrate her acting prowess. While in Europe when talking movies started to be made she became fluent in French and German to broaden her acting opportunities.

Anna May Wong's story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and prejudice that talented individuals of diverse backgrounds have historically faced in the entertainment industry and beyond. Her journey highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the ongoing struggle for equal representation in the world of cinema.

Marilyn Monroe in her Garden

Marilyn Monroe in her Garden

A Young Gary Cooper. The Spoilers, Photo taken by Earl Crowley.

A Young Gary Cooper. The Spoilers, Photo taken by Earl Crowley.

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple

Audrey Hepburn. Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn. Funny Face

Dorothy Dandridge.

Dorothy Dandridge.

Gene Tiernery. Movie Sundown.

Gene Tiernery. Movie Sundown.

Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.

Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.

Oil Paintings

A Decade Dedicated to Mastering Oil Painting

For the past ten years, I have immersed myself in the art of oil painting. I had experience with acrylic painting over the years; but my passion has always resided in drawing. Drawing has been an enduring companion in my life, a constant source of inspiration and creativity. However, it wasn't until I delved into the world of oil painting that my true passion for painting was ignited.

The year 2014 marked a significant turning point for me when I made the decision to share my creations with the world by selling my artwork, while pregnant with my first child. I realized that in order to truly excel in this endeavor, I needed to master the craft of painting. Despite my proficiency in painting, my heart was not invested in acrylics as it was in drawing. I knew I had to learn oil painting.

Oil painting captivated me in a way that no other medium had before. The tactile experience of working with oils on canvas felt akin to sculpting, the paint remained moldable on the surface of the canvas. The richness and luminosity of the oils brought a whole new dimension to my work, imbuing it with depth and brilliance that acrylic paint could not replicate. The versatility of the medium allowed me to build layers, create textures and easily blending colors.

Through dedication, practice, and a deepening love for oil painting, I have honed my skills over the years, evolving as an artist and finding my voice within this medium. I am grateful for the journey that has led me to this place of artistry and creative discovery.

-Megan K McBride-Kennedy

Orange Dahlia

In 2017 I was living in Windsor, Colorado. Windsor has a beautiful community garden hidden off one of the main roads. Just as the first snow fell in 2017, I visited the garden for the first time to take pictures of the flowers. The weather seemed to be affecting my camera, just as I clicked the shutter the camera, while trying to focus on the orange dahlia, inexplicably morphed the leaves from green into purple and then into a deep cerulean blue. The cerulean blue and purple colors were the perfect contrast to bright orange dahlia, and I snapped the picture. Capturing a fleeting moment of magic through the lens of my imperfect camera. I created this oil painting from the image, making sure to paint the colors as vibrant as they appeared while the camera’s colors shifted and glitched.

Blue River

On a hike along Spruce Creek Trail near Blue River, just outside of Breckenridge, Colorado, I captured a moment that inspired one of my largest, most detailed and most time consuming paintings. While on the hike I saw a stream running under the path. The stream appeared moderately sized and I desired to see more of the scenery and the path of the water, so I decided to take a detour off the trail. Tracing my steps alongside the flowing water the river began to widen and deepen. Stepping out onto a large rock in the center of the river, I found myself at a vantage point that was perfect for capturing the picturesque moment on canvas.

The scene captures flowing water under the radiant sunlight, appearing a shimmering yellow hue as it glides over polished rocks and stones weathered by time underwater. Fallen trees create a fragile natural bridge across the river. Enormous boulders jut out from the river banks, adding to the serenity of the landscape.

Original Oil Painting on Canvas, 30 by 40.

Original Oil Painting on Canvas, 16 by 20.

The painting captures the gaze of an owl perched majestically on a stump, set against a backdrop of a tangle of branches and trees. The owl, adorned with a beautiful combination of brown, white, and grey plumage, has a sense of calmness and wisdom.

One cannot help but be captivated by the vivid contrast of the bright yellow plumage encircling the owl's eyes, drawing the viewer's attention to its piercing gaze. The intricate details of the owl's eyes, large and open, seem to convey a deep sense of awareness and alertness, as if it is truly engaged in watching over its surroundings. There is a stillness and grace to the owl, giving it a sense of timelessness as it sits perched on the stump.

In the background, the chaotic mess of branches and trees creates a sense of depth and mystery, enhancing the solitary beauty of the owl in its natural habitat. The overall composition invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the beauty and wonder of nature, reminding us of the importance of observing and appreciating the world around us.

This painting of the owl watcher is a representation of natures’ beauty and the silent wisdom of this creatures.

Watcher

Amidst the towering grandeur of the majestic mountains, a serene scene unfolds before the viewer. At the heart of this tranquil setting, a rustic water mill stands gracefully at the base of a gently flowing stream, reflective of the harmony between nature and human craftsmanship.

The stream descends from the heights of the mountains, its waters guided by a weathered wooden channel known as a flume, creating a soothing melody as it cascades towards the water mill. The surrounding landscape exudes a sense of seclusion and peace, offering a sanctuary from the outside world.

A testament to the passage of time, an old crumbling rock wall is stacked on the opposite side of the stream, hinting at the history and enduring legacy of the mill and its surroundings.

In this painting, the interplay between the natural elements and the man-made structures evokes a sense of balance and unity, reminding the viewer of the delicate interconnectedness of all things. Capturing a timeless moment of quiet beauty, inviting the observer to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the tranquil charm of this enchanting landscape.

Spring Watermill

Original Oil Painting on Canvas, 24 by 36.

Get in Touch

Framing is available upon request. Please email me for framing choices and prices. Or feel free to reach out and share your thoughts on art and your creative vision and how you integrating art into your life.

If you have Questions about yoga, energy therapy yoga, or kids yoga feel free to email me or go to SSYoga.com for Sacred Space Yoga’s website. I’d love to hear your perspectives and engage in a meaningful discussion about art or yoga.

Website Navigation

Fine Artwork

CHECK OUT THE ART SOCIAL MEDIA