Kenneth C. Madsen

Kenneth C. Madsen
File:Meeting Reagan.jpg File:"Roots" by Kenneth C. Madsen.jpg File:Alex Haley thank you note.jpg File:Discovery by Kenneth C Madsen.jpg
Born	Kenneth Cleon Madsen October 31, 1927 Salt Lake City, Utah
Died	December 25, 2002 Salt Lake City, Utah
Nationality	United States
Education	The Art Barn
Notable work	Discovery

Kenneth C. Madsen was an American artist born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 31, 1927. He was the son of a Danish immigrant father and a talented mother who influenced his interest in the arts. His most famous work is his 1991 painting “Discovery,” a representation of the voyage of Columbus. The painting graced the program cover of the National Independence Day Festival and Parade in Washington, D.C. And in celebration of the Columbus Quincentennial, Utah’s governor Norman H. Bangerter joined the parade organization in presenting the original painting to President George H. W. Bush – for his future Presidential library collection.

At age three Madsen, "exhibited a fascination for visual art, preferring to create his own work rather than filling in coloring books.” When seven years old, he met photographer Ida M. Wilcox, who encouraged him to pursue his artistic talent. On her retirement, she bequeathed to the lad her multi-adjustable easel and chair. Deseret News art critic Richard P. Christenson wrote the following: “After high school, Kenneth joined the Navy and sailed extensively among the South Pacific islands. This gave him ample opportunities to sketch boats, islands, and the many moods of the ocean.” In 1945 he was encouraged to enter half a dozen of his pastels in a prestigious Army-Navy-Marine art show, sponsored by the U.S.O. These pastels won first prize – an impressive win for his first showing. Christenson continued: “After he completed his military obligation, he returned to Utah where he enrolled in the Art Barn. For nine years he studied under some of the best artists of Utah.” The following art teachers were a great influence on his early studies: Mr. Michael Cannon, Mr. Lorin Folland, Mr. Dan Lahey, Mr. Lee Dussell, and Mrs. Gertrude Teutsch. Christenson added: “His art studies also included three years with the Famous Artists School of Westport, Connecticut. For a short time, Madsen taught in the evening art classes in the Granite School District. Later, he joined a colleague and conducted private art classes. He then became staff artist and art history course coordinator with the International Exchange School, conducting art ateliers aboard many cruise ships that took him to dozens of foreign ports and cities. Madsen feels that his teaching abroad extended his frame of reference as far as subject matter is concerned.” During these years of European travel he was also an active member on the Board of Advisors for the House of Fine Arts, Provo, Utah. Christenson concluded: “His versatility has allowed him to work meticulously in a 1-inch square microscopic study of the cellular formation of an amoeba. He was equally at home painting a 12-foot by 90-foot mural of Lake Tahoe. His free-flowing landscapes and powerful seascapes have captured the attention of collectors around the world.” Mr. Madsen’s paintings are represented in scores of collections. Private owners of his works include the late Alex Haley, state and national political figures, international leaders, movie stars, and other prominent individuals. His free flowing Western mountain scenes and powerful seascapes have captured the attention of collectors from throughout the country. School districts have selected his wildlife scenes for their libraries. Historians, travelers, and art lovers have admired his work and collected his art. Art organizations have honored his work by arranging private showings.