Michael Kennaugh

(b. 1964) Michael Kennaugh received his BFA from Lamar in 1986 and his MFA from the University of North Texas in 1990. Kennaugh is known for abstract paintings, drawings and painted wood assemblages and sculptures.

Kennaugh's paintings have a lyrical, spontaneous quality about them, which makes it surprising to learn that the works are carefully planned with meticulous drawings and explorations of color. The paintings are not direct copies of the drawings, however. As Kennaugh paints, the curved lines and muted colors evolve during the process to become something fresh and different.

Kennaugh’s work is included in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Art Museum of Southeast Texas in Beaumont and in corporate collections both national and international.

Art on Campus

Me and My Arrow

Year: 2014
medium: Oil on Canvas
Location: Reaud Honors College

In discussing the title of the painting, Kennaugh wrote: “The title came from a Harry Nilsson song, ‘Me and My Arrow.’ When I first came to Houston in 1990, I was using arrows in my work as symbols for the direction of my life, direction of the wind, water, etc. I later abandoned the arrow image.... Many years later, I came across Nilsson and was astounded as to how influential this artist was to many artists today. When I heard Arrow, I thought it was about a man concerned with the direction of his life and where he was going. I didn't know that the song is really about a man and his dog! As this painting progressed, I noticed there were several arrow type forms in the composition. I think it was that song that was lurking in my memory... in my subconscious. So I titled it ‘Me and My Arrow’.” Kennaugh was delighted to know the painting would be hanging in the location where his former college dorm had been.