Vance Kirkland's Visual Language

The Work and Life of Colorado's Distinguished Painter

Overview

Shot on location in Kirkland's Denver studio and in several museums, this documentary includes video and audio interviews and archival photos of Kirkland, and dramatic recreation of some of his unorthodox painting techniques. Kirkland came to Denver in 1929 as founding Director of the University of Denver's School of Art. This documentary demonstrates that one can be a great artist regardless of location or other career. From his mountain landscapes to his surreal worlds, to his final abstractions -- a cosmos of glowing energy -- Kirkland found his visual langage.