Born in Detroit, Edward Kennedy earned his BS Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. While there, he took several classes in life and basic drawing.  He supplemented his art education by studying art magazines, books and visiting museums whenever possible. It was through an art magazine that Ed was introduced to Albert Handell and his wonderful pastel paintings. Soon after, Ed purchased his first set of pastels. Now Ed paints both in oil and pastel, although pastel remains his favorite. 

Ed has attended workshops from Scott Christensen, Albert Handell, Richard McKinley, Anita Louis West, Frank Serrano, Susan Lyon, Liz Haywood-Sullivan, Rob Liberace and Richard McDaniel. He considers himself fortunate to have spent the day watching Richard Schmid and Albert Handell paint together in Vermont during a workshop he attended. 

Ed is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and has attained Master Circle status in the International Association of Pastel Societies.  He is also a member of the Great Lakes Plein Air Painters Association, and the Michigan Plein Air Painters.

Select Awards

Great Lakes Pastel Society 2019 Member Show – Gold 1st Place

Great Lakes Pastel Society 2017 Member Show – Gold 1st Place

International Association of Pastel Societies 20th Juried Exhibition – Silver Award

Pastel Society of America 41st Annual Exhibition – Enduring Brilliance – Degas Pastel Society Award

International Association of Pastel Societies – 2nd Master Circle Exhibition – Honorable Mention

6th Annual Northeast National Pastel Exhibition – Kitty Wallis Award

Richeson 75 International Pastels 2010 Competition – Finalist

Select Exhibitions

International Association of Pastel Societies – 6th Master Circle Exhibition

International Association of Pastel Societies – 37th Juried Exhibition

Great Lakes Pastel Society 2019 Members Show

Great Lakes Pastel Society 2017 Members Show

Pastel Society of Colorado – 13th Annual Mile High National Pastel Exhibit

Pastel Painter Society of Cape Cod 2017

International Association of Pastel Societies – 28th Juried Exhibition

International Association of Pastel Societies – 24th Juried Exhibition

International Association of Pastel Societies – 21st Juried Exhibition

International Association of Pastel Societies – 20th Juried Exhibition

10th Annual Northeast National Pastel Exhibition

9th Annual Northeast National Pastel Exhibition

International Association of Pastel Societies – 2nd Master Circle Exhibition

Pastel Society of America 41st Enduring Brilliance

Pastel Society of America 41st Enduring Brilliance – Butler Institute of American Art 

7th Annual Northeast National Pastel Exhibition

Richeson 75: International Pastels 2010 Competition

Publications

Pastel Journal, February 2017 “A Life of Learning”

Ed’s Work