Following graduation, Ken DeWaard began working in a commercial art studio in Chicago. He continued his studies at the American Academy of Art, studying with nationally recognized watercolorist, Irving Shapiro and upon his recommendation, DeWaard joined the acclaimed Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art, where he studied with Scott Burdick and Dan Gerhartz. It is here that DeWaard adapted his direct and pure approach and his bravura brush style, which he achieves by painting from life. The feelings he evokes in his paintings are derived from the passion he feels while capturing the fleeting effects of light, or the wonderful color nuances and harmonies presented by nature. He is an instructor at the Kewaunee Academy of Fine Arts in Wisconsin.