Wolf Kahn's America: An Artist's Travels

Under 164 different headings Wolf Kahn talks about his travels, his work, and the people and places he encounters, or whatever else he recalls. He is as likely to talk about surviving a hurricane in a beach hut on an isolated beach as discussing capturing the changing light of a sunrise or sunset. Whether it be an a anecdote or something related to his work it is always told with a down to earth very readable no nonsense approach, and invariably takes no more than a page or two at the most. The text is accompanied by 103 illustrations of the artist's work, 100 of them in full colour; most of them full page size, and always related to the text. The only addition besides is a brief introduction by John Updike and an index. Kahn might not always discuss the work illustrated in any detail, yet it nonetheless speaks for itself: its economy and simplicity, its vibrancy and feeling of light. While the text accompanies the illustrations the setting is light and spacious so that in no way competes with the pictures. It all adds up to a very appealing and informative book, one that can just as easily be read at length as picked up for just a couple of minutes at a time. It above all gives us an insight to the artist, and one which perhaps makes us envious of the relative freedom and opportunity his work affords him.

This book is beautifully presented, with a large number of colour plates of his oil and pastel paintings. I really enjoyed the sensitive, well written and interesting story by Wolf about his travels across America and his findings along the way. He shows its not necessarily the subject that makes the painting but how you treat it and Wolf is a master of atmosphere and luminous colur to the max. Angela McMeekin - Te Anau, New Zealand

Another beautiful and thought provoking book with Wolf Kahn's art and writings about his process. The colors are excellent, and as a pastelist I appreciate his thoughts about painting in this medium.

Excellent, personable insight on the rationale and approach by an artist relative to his subject matter. Kahn succinctly summarizes, discusses not only his appreciation for the unusual, be in Nature or weathered man-made structures, but also the specific application of the medium used, pastels and oils, to capture the emotional content of the scene, as well as the color harmonies developed over a lifetime of conscientious study. Freedom of action and thought pervades the book that appeals to his artistic soul.

Having had the privilege of meeting, painting and listening to Wolf Kahn in person this book, without a doubt, is the next best thing. This new book is Wolf Kahn at his finest as artist, teacher and storyteller. What a rare blessing to have the artist pen his own history for us to enjoy. The work and words are inspiring. There is a treasure trove of experience to glean for the artist, art lover and laymen. The format is enjoyable, similar to, "Wolf Kahn Pastels". If you want "how it is" first hand, I strongly recommend this new book. Sincerely Tom Szewc