Karl J. Kuerner was born in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania on January 12, 1957 – to Karl and Margaret Kuerner – third generation farmers. His artistic talent was recognized and nurtured at a very young age by Carolyn Wyeth – sister of Andrew Wyeth and a renowned artist in her own right.

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Kuerner grew up surrounded by artists and the task of painting. From the age of seven he watched Andrew Wyeth paint some of his greatest works at the Kuerner Farm – Karl’s family homestead for three generations – and a major source of inspiration for more than 1,000 of Wyeth’s works of arts – and eventually over 300 of Kuerner’s own works.

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As Karl matured artistically, Andrew Wyeth took a keen interest in the young artist and took him under his wing – mentoring and teaching him for more than three decades.

"Wyeth looked at Karl Kuerner and said, 'It's up to you to carry this on. And it won't be easy'. . . . Wyeth added, 'Karl understands what I'm about: pure, deep, emotion.  I have always emphasized to Karl that an artist must paint what he loves . . . and Karl has been painting that which he loves for nearly forty years now. His work is inspiring and deeply introspective . . . it exhibits a strong honest quality that comes from deep within and touches the ordinary in a profound way.”

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Although Karl was initially influenced by the Wyeths, he is certainly not one of them – nor does he want to be. He is described by many as a fine painter of great merit – possessing his own intimate and straightforward style. He paints realistically using strong abstract shapes. He paints portraits of great variety – his wife in Heirloom, his neighbor in Dreams, his father wonderfully depicted in the landscape in Pennsylvania Farmer and mysteriously in the barn in Unloading Straw.

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Karl J. Kuerner is an exceptional painter of great restraint – immersed in the teaching and influence of his mentors – but also very absorbed and moved by his farming traditions and Pennsylvania ancestry. He has contributed greatly to the tradition of American realism, and will continue to be a major force in American art for years to come

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Notable Exhibitions

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2020 

"The Art Spirit In Agrarian Art"

Bone Creek Museum, David City, Nebraska

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2016

Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Public Service, West Chester University, Pennsylvania

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2011

"Places To Go, Things To See"

West Chester University, Pennsylvania

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2010

"All My Places"

The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania

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2006

Pennsylvania State Capitol

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Art In Embassies Program

2004 Abuja Nigeria

2009 Lome' Togo

2009 Brussels Belgium

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2000

"Close Encounters"

David David Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

1991

Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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1986

Chadds Ford Gallery, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

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1984

Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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1981

Chadds Ford Gallery, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

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1982

Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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1977

Chadds Ford Gallery, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

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