J. Michael Kennedy is a native of Ohio, but has lived in Charleston since 1986. He

studied art in college and went into graphic design. Working in advertising, he

began to exhibit in Waterfront Gallery in 1995, and later was accepted into

galleries in Myrtle Beach, Wilmington and Hilton Head. Painting full-time since 1998

he is known for his rich color and his dramatic shadows and light. He has studied

with many well-respected artists including Albert Handel, Kim English, William

Jameson, Joyce Nagel, and Martin Ahrens. "I am most often intrigued by the changes

in color and light that quickly take place as the sun sets. Whether it's in a garden

in the city, or an expansive landscape in the lowcountry marsh I want to convey the

After earning a BFA in 1982, Michael spent the next 14 years working as a graphic designer and then an art director. Moving to the South Carolina Lowcountry in 1986, he soon found the city of Charleston and our colorful landscapes an inspiration for his real creative outlet, painting. He left the advertising field in 1995 to pursue a career as a full time artist.  Finding quick success at several Charleston galleries, he is now represented by galleries in Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, St. Simon's Island and Hilton Head Island.

"I love what I'm doing and find inspiration in so many places along the southeast coast. I hope my paintings reflect my love of this part of the world."

Please click any of the paintings for a  larger  image