Welcome!

To see current works and events, visit my Instagram page: Instagram @mattkania

Recent works

  • Sailing to Duluth - 40x30
     
     
    Sailing to Duluth - 40x30

    I was onboard this handmade vessel named the Ælfinna last October. The experience was remarkable – sailing on Lake Superior to Duluth. The boat and its attachments were crafted by the Duluth Faering Project, as part of the Nóatún Community Boat Works in Duluth.

  • After School - 6x8
     
     
    After School - 6x8

    I love creating small works – especially still life paintings like this one of a favorite snack. This was painted quickly (alla prima) and on a birch panel.

  • Sax-Zim Road – 12x9
     
     
    Sax-Zim Road – 12x9

    In the heart of the Sax-Zim Bog area, near Meadowlands, MN. A great place for birding and beautiful landscapes. This was painted during a paint-out event with Outdoor Painters of Minnesota.

  • On the Border Route – 9x12
     
     
    On the Border Route – 9x12

    This enchanting place is along the Border Route Trail – en route to Magnetic Rock. Can you see the moose?

  • Monument Rock Revealed – 12x9
     
     
    Monument Rock Revealed – 12x9

    One of several plein air oil paintings and Conté crayon paintings created during a wilderness canoe trip to document the late 2021 Horne Fire burn area on Isle Royale National Park.

  • Chicago's Bean – 9x12
     
     
    Chicago's Bean – 9x12

    A plein air gouache on canvas. Painted during the pandemic – a moment in time when Chicago's famous sculpture "Cloud Gate" wasn't surrounded by people!

  • Sacred Music – 32x24
     
     
    Sacred Music – 32x24

    A recent commissioned studio oil painting – honoring a professional pipe organ musician.

  • Good Morning, Duluth - 12x9
     
     
    Good Morning, Duluth - 12x9

    The Duluth north pier lighthouse – awakening and slowly warming to summer's morning light.

  • Smokey Morning on Minnesota Point – 8x10
     
     
    Smokey Morning on Minnesota Point – 8x10

    There's been lots of wildfire smoke that's drifted into Duluth in summer of 2021. But it's produced some interesting atmospheric scenes for painting.

  • Let's Go Outside! – 10x8
     
     
    Let's Go Outside! – 10x8

    A loving portrait of two sweet dogs – a commission and gift to two loving patrons.

  • Susie Islands - 11x14
     
     
    Susie Islands - 11x14

    An iconic September view of the Susie Islands located in Lake Superior, near the Minnesota and Ontario border crossing.

  • Sweet Lilacs – 16x12
     
     
    Sweet Lilacs – 16x12

    A fresh bouquet picked from my yard. I always enjoy direct painting flower arrangements.