26th Bosque Art Classic feature sculptures by Idaho's Ken Newman

Aug. 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Ken Newman's bronze sculpture's "Observing Grace" and "Composed" were chosen for exhibition at the 26th Annual Bosque Classic at the Bosque Art Center in Clifton TX.  The show was juried by Tony Altermann, a respected gallery owner and western art expert who chose 152 artworks from 776 entries.  The exhibition opens with a private reception on September 9, an opening reception and award ceremony on September 10, the show runs through September 25, 2011.

The two sculptures chosen are an expression of the unique beauty of the long-billed curlew. As Ken explains, "he was first introduced to the curlew by a friend over 30 years ago. It was first light in a rice field when only silhouettes are visible. Only a fleeting glance, but it left a lasting impression. Over time his path crossed on many occasions, but shyness prevailed and that fleeting impression was all that remained".

In the fields of Idaho, the birds allowed Ken hours of observation and research, no camera - just the mind’s eye and thumbnail sketches revealed the trueness of his initial impression. "It was real—“long legs, slender body, large wing span, long decurved bill, a sculptural goddess, the epitome of grace, the curlew."

Through observation and research for "Observing Grace", Ken came to better appreciate and understand the sculptural qualities of the bird, but as usual - more needed to be expressed. An intimate view of a curlew became the vision. To create a posture using abstract forms of triangles and planes to balance and move the eye while confining the bird to the smallest footprint possible, yet exposing its large wings, long decurved bill and legs. This design allowed him to push and pull the anatomy and plumage in wonderful articulations that work in unison to pull the eye in closer and closer - intimacy with the curlew – "Composed".

For more information on the 26th Bosque Art Classic and the museum hours visit their website at http://www.bosqueartscenter.org . Idaho sculptor Ken Newman is represented by Signature Gallery in Scottsdale AZ, Honshin Fine Art in Sedona AZ, Silver Sage Gallery in Lander WY and Columbine Gallery in Loveland CO. Visit his website for other upcoming museum exhibitions and show openings at http://www.kennewmansculptures.com

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Ken Newman is a nationally reknown wildlife and figurative sculptor who travels the country..observing, interperting and sculpting.