Austin, Texas based painter Ken Fleisch paints realistic still lifes of pottery, Indian artifacts and religious icons.

After graduating from West Texas State University with a business degree he joined the Air Force. While stationed in Europe he spent his free time exploring art museums. After his tour of duty in the military, Fleisch returned to Europe for a year of travel and exploration. During his trip he took an art class in Germany where he studied the composition and possibilities of still lifes.

Upon his return to Texas, Fleisch took a job in an ad agency working long, unrewarding hours. Eventually Fleisch took time off from the agency to pursue fine art. He worked artist shows, producing large amounts of works and selling canvases for as little as $10. Fleisch never returned to the ad agency.

Fleisch began painting landscapes then moved on to architecture and buildings and eventually was drawn inside to long forgotten objects sitting on shelves. Fleisch now paints still lifes exclusively. He is interested in the convergence of cultures and the stories behind the objects he paints.

Source: Art of the West: November/December 2003

Born in Texas, Ken Fleisch spent his early years experiencing a wide perspective of life throughout the United States and Europe as the son of an Air Force officer. He received his formal art training in both American and European Universities and through private study and joint projects with internationally known artists.

A self-described realist, he often draws inspiration from his native state of Texas, yet his paintings transcend geographical boundaries, touching the core of life in an almost classical fashion. His evocative paintings are more than mere reflections of reality: they are a means by which he shares philosophy and emotion. Using the commonplace to convey the complex, he often uses old pottery, artifacts, and religious icons for his stark and still lifes, which many find compelling.

Ken Fleisch's award winning work has been featured extensively in regional and national publications and his paintings are in major private and public collections across the country.