A summary of Kenesaw Kid aka Ron Kirkham from "LinkedIn".
A graduate of Central High School (class of ‘57) in Knoxville,Tennessee, I attended Carson-Newman College and then made my way to The Art Center School in Los Angeles to study watercolor and graphic art. My wife, and best friend, is Mary Jane who teaches science at the High School level. One of the best decisions we ever made was when we adopted our daughter, Saleah Marie, when she was just ten days old. Saleah graduated from Maryville College and is continuing her education to be a Pharmacist at ETSU. (Saleah completed her education & is working as a Pharmacist)
One of my greatest experiences in the field of advertising was to work directly with Roy Rogers, Dale, and the Sons of the Pioneers in connection with the Roy Rogers Restaurant chain (mostly located in the North East part of the country). I’ve always been captivated by “Cowboys” and the Western way of life. Western movies have always portrayed the spirit and soul of America more than any other. They deal with fundamental conflicts: good and evil, bravery and cowardice, the need to be free and independent and the need for community. Thankfully I have had very good health over the years so that I could enjoy the many hobbies and interests that I seem to get involved with. Golf is another thing that takes much of my time. I’ve never been really good at it but I seem to hit just enough good shots to keep me coming back. ( October 2014 I shot my age -- 75)
Watercolor had become one of my favorite things to do since school and now I plan to
spend much more time in this area after retiring from the advertising and commercial art field that has been my primary source of income. My interest in producing "limited edition prints” from my watercolors, has been a sideline since 1972. These are sold in many galleries, mainly in the southeast. During the 1980's I taught drawing and watercolor classes and intend to resume teaching again soon. All this . . . and still freelancing graphic art jobs, is more than enough to keep me busy in what I’m calling retirement.
