Marty Kahnle
The sweeping landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Appalachia form the soul of my work. Living amidst this rugged beauty, I am driven to capture the energy and movement that breathe life into these surroundings—the rushing rivers, swaying trees, and lush undergrowth that constantly shift with the seasons. My work is inspired by the vivid settings of Tennessee and North Georgia, and influenced by artists like David Hockney, Alex Katz, and Gregory Botts, whose styles resonate with my desire to depict nature in both realistic and imaginative ways. I also draw inspiration from the graphic and playful aesthetics of classic Warner Brothers, Hanna-Barbera, and Disney animations, which subtly infuse my landscapes with a sense of nostalgia and whimsy.
Using bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant color palettes, I aim to translate the essence of the natural world into visual experiences that evoke peace, joy, and connection. Each piece offers a moment of reflection on our relationship with nature and invites viewers to experience these landscapes through my lens—a balance of awe, serenity, and the innate dynamism that characterizes the Appalachian region.
Recently, my work has taken a creative shift through the use of Flashe paint, a medium known for its rich pigmentation and velvety matte finish. This has allowed me to explore more deconstructed, hyper-real interpretations of the landscapes I cherish. The flat, vivid colors of Flashe provide a fresh clarity and depth, intensifying the vibrancy of my work while adding new layers of abstraction and emotion.
Ultimately, my paintings are an invitation to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with the world around us. I strive to evoke a sense of harmony that lingers, long after the viewer steps away from the canvas.
Artist Bio
Martin Kahnle is an Atlanta-based painter whose bold, color-driven landscapes reimagine the American landscape through a contemporary lens. Working primarily in oil or flashe, he combines direct observation with simplified forms, heightened color, and a graphic sensibility influenced by modernism, American regionalism, and classic animation.
Kahnle studied painting at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, where he earned a B.S. in Fine Arts and studied under Fluxus painter Dr. Thomas Mew. During this period, he also became friendly with Georgia folk painter Howard Finster. His influences range from Vincent van Gogh, Grant Wood, and the Group of Seven to Milton Avery, David Hockney, and Alex Katz, along with the color and imaginative landscapes of classic animation.
His current paintings explore the Southern landscape and the intersection of natural and built environments, finding unexpected beauty in tree lines, roadsides, overpasses, power lines, fields, and other overlooked spaces. Familiar places become intensely colored compositions poised somewhere between observation and invention.
Kahnle is represented by TEW Galleries in Atlanta, Modfellows in Nashville, and Boswell Mourot Fine Art in Little Rock. His paintings are held in private collections throughout the United States.
Inquiries
For pricing and availability, contact Boswell Mourot Fine Art at boswellmourotfineart@gmail.com or by phone 501.454.6969.