The Kerwin Kemp Collection: Biography

Kerwin Kemp

Kerwin Kemp was a graphic and fine artist in San Antonio, Texas for over 25 years. He was born July 27, 1940 in his grandmother's house in Rockport, Texas and loved to visit that charming little town on the Gulf Coast for the rest of his life. The inspiration for some of his paintings, such as "Summer Hill" and "Amber Bay" came from that area.

For the most part a self-taught artist, he was a member of the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts, the River Art Group, and the San Antonio Watercolor Group. He was the recipient of several awards, the first at age 12 when he entered a drawing of a cartoon character in the art show at the Kendall County Fair and won a blue ribbon. Working at first in oils, then pen and ink, he later worked mainly in watercolor. This became his favorite medium. "He enjoyed the loose freeness of watercolor," a friend said. "He liked what it did on the paper." Most of his recognition was for his watercolors, which he had been into only a few years before his death at age 46. Among his honors:

Winner:	Judges Award, May Garden Show, Coppini Academy, 1986 Best of Show, River Art Show, October, 1986
Accepted:	Annual Watercolor Exhibition, San Antonio Watercolor Group, Trinity University, 1986
Exhibitor:	Rockport Art Festival, Rockport Western Art Show, San Antonio Various galleries in Texas

Kerwin died of a heart attack on March 31, 1987. His family takes great pleasure in sharing his gift through these prints.