maura kenny
Professor, Painting

mkenny@coastal.edu
843.349-2702
Edwards Humanities and Fine Arts Bldg., Rm. 134
Schedule

MFA in Painting - University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1980

Maura Kenny has taught in the Art Department of Coastal Carolina University for over 17 years. She is presently teaching foundation level drawing courses and all levels of painting. The catalyst for creativity in Maura's painting is the human figure.

In the 60's she studied traditional oil painting technique from Blaine Cota (MFA Yale). At Southern Connecticut State University in the early 70's she was influenced by the teachings of sculptor and life drawing teacher, Michael Skop. Skop's philosophy on drawing and clay modeling of the human figure was passed down to him from his teacher, Ivan Mestrovic who in turn was a student of Rodin. These teachings included form and anatomy interwoven with consideration for time, space and movement within the human form. While at 'Southern' a BS in Art Education Degree was earned. Maura received an MFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 1980. The art program at Greensboro during the late 70's still valued the study of the human figure as a formative element in an artist's education. Walter Barker an influential painting teacher at Greensboro was a student of the German Expressionist Max Beckman. Barker's 'color - shape' approach to painting was quickly absorbed into Maura's repertoire.

From her traditional training in the figurative, along with the technical and philosophical perspective of her teacher-mentors she has developed an inclusive teaching philosophy that is respectful of the past and yet open and welcoming of the current and future movements in art making.