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BORN
1925
DIED
2017
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Kenneth Davies Obituary
Kenneth Southworth Davies, renowned trompe l'oeil and American still-life painter, died December 24, 2017 at his home in Madison, Connecticut. He was 92. Ken was born December 20, 1925 to Bertrand Eaves and May Southworth Davies, and grew up in in New Bedford, MA, summering on Martha's Vineyard. From New Bedford High School he attended Massachusetts School of Fine Art and served in the United States Army during World War II. He received a B.F.A. from The Yale School of Fine Art where he studied with Deane Keller, Rudolph Zallinger and Lewis York. Ken said "…they were responsible for his happy and rewarding career." He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the New England School of Law, Boston, MA. Ken is Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of the Paier College of Art, Hamden, Connecticut, where he taught for over forty years. Ken Davies is a renowned American Realist still life and trompe l'oeil painter. His paintings appear in many museums, corporate and private collections across the country. Among them are: The Asheville Museum of Fine Art, Berkshire Museum, Brandywine River Museum, Detroit Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institute, Springfield Museum of Fine Arts, Wadsworth Athenaeum, White House Historical Association and the Manoogian Collection. Ken is well-known for all his Wild Turkey paintings, which he rendered for Wild Turkey Bourbon and the Austin Nichols Distilling Co., Ken designed three United States Postage Stamps. They commemorate Pharmacy and centennial anniversaries of the American Chemical Society and the Metropolitan Opera. He is the author of three books: Painting Sharp Focus Still Life, Ken Davies, Artist at Work and Ken Davies American Realist. Ken will be remembered as one of the foremost trompe l'oeil and still life painters of the twentieth century. He was an educator and mentor to students and professional artists. He is survived by his wife Maryann Doughan Davies, son Barry and brother Donald Davies (Helen). Predeceased by a sister Joan Youtcheff. Friends may call on Friday December 29 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT 06443. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions in Ken's memory can be made to: VNA Community Healthcare, 753 Boston Post Road, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437, connecticuthomecare.org, or to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford 06405, hospice.com. To sign the online guest book please visit
www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Davies
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
August 5, 2019
"Never down and dirty, but always clean and precise!"
-Jim Kieley
Sherie Harkins
February 7, 2018
I was very sorry to learn of Ken's passing only this morning. I am grateful he lived such a long and productive life that influenced many painters, myself among them. I was originally introduced to Ken's work by his cousin, my own beloved grandfather Jim Davies, who saw my work as a teenager and knew Ken's painting would resonate. I read through "Panting Sharp Focus Still Lifes" many times and was always proud to share it with others, especially because I was related to someone who produced such amazing work.
Some years ago, after the death of my grandfather, I traveled with my grandmother to Martha's Vineyard and shared the day with Ken's mother. I have some great photos and memories of that day, including the thrill of seeing some of Ken's early paintings hanging in her house, and of "Aunt May's" beautiful oration at the Grand Illumination Festival in Oak Bluffs.
I am honored that Ken and Maryann took the time to lunch with my husband and myself on several occasions, and have appreciated Ken's feedback on my own work. I am just sorry that we were not able to have more regular and recent interaction.
Payers and gratitude.
D DiMaria Nuhn
January 19, 2018
I'm forever grateful to professor Ken Davies for his exceptional artistic talent at Paier College of Art. I consider him one of my mentors and will always remember his guidance and kindness during my senior portfolio class at Paier. May the love of your family and friends help you through this difficult time. Rest in peace Mr. Davies.
William O'Connell
January 8, 2018
so sad to hear the news...mr. davies was an inspiration and
i enjoyed his instruction while at paier...those were days that
i truly cherish...my heartfelt condolences to his family...sincerely,
bill o'connell/WHO
January 5, 2018
Our condolences to Maryann and the family. We met you and Ken one time at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in the company of Bob and Debbie Duff. It was a very special moment as I have long admired Ken's work and style. He will be remembered for his art and his gracious demeanor. God bless, Pat and John Crutchfield
Cindy Tichy
December 29, 2017
A gracious and kind man who was truly talented. Ed and I were so fortunate to know him. So sorry for your loss Maryanne
Ed and Cindy Tichy
December 29, 2017
My condolences and prayers to Maryanne and the Davies family. I was fortunate to study with Ken at the Paier School of art. I still remember Kens comment when he looked at my last still life painting, "you have painted some areas better than I could have". His professional behavior and great art skill inspired us all.
Leonardo Franco, Northford, CT 64'
December 29, 2017
My condolences to the Davies family and friends. May God give you the comfort you need through love and the scriptures. *2 Corin. 1:3,4*
Mark Battista
December 28, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to Maryanne and the Davies family. I will be forever grateful to have studied with Ken at Paier in the early 80's. He has not only influenced me as an artist , but as a teacher as well. His lessons went beyond painting techniques and more about working as a professional and to continue to strive for excellence. Upon graduation, we kept in contact and I consider him a dear friend and mentor.
Ken's legacy will continue to inspire through his magnificent paintings and the lessons shared with those lucky enough to study with him.
Kathleen McKenna
December 28, 2017
I met Mr Davies many years ago when he was back in New Bedford. He was generous with his time -- explaining his art to a young journalist (me) who had lots of stupid questions. To this day I cherish one of the prints I got from that exhibit. Condolences to his family.
Lisa Scaramella
December 28, 2017
My condolences and prayers to the Davies family,
I was a student at Paier 78-81. He was among some of the best teacher-artists at Paier. The art world will miss his beautiful work.
God bless him and may he rest in peace.
Suzanne Bryant
December 28, 2017
Maryann I am so sorry to hear of your husband passing. I have a lot of fond memories of you both. My love to you.
Edward Hobbins
December 27, 2017
I treasure Mr. Davies 3 painting books. They were my art school. All I know about painting, I learned from his words. My thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us.
Mickie Ring
December 27, 2017
I had the honor of meeting Mr Davies many years ago when he did a project with WRE/Colortech for the White House Calendar. I have some of his prints, which I will treasure forever. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Mickie Ring
Ana María and Charlie Ash
December 27, 2017
Maryann our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will remember Ken for all the good times we shared. Although we're not there our thoughts are with you.
Joanne
December 27, 2017
Maryann, wish I could be there to give you a hug. Ken will truly be missed by many. Take care, big sister!
Deborah Proto
December 27, 2017
Maryann my deepest sympathies are coming to you and your family and you are in my prayers. Deb Proto
December 27, 2017
Maryann our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Ken will be missed. Bob and Barb Tichy
Ashley
December 27, 2017
My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4)
JoAnne Scavetta
December 27, 2017
Maryann,
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow. May our friendship and outpouring of love bring you some comfort.
Ken was truly a blessing in my life...I will miss him.
xx
Tim O'Brien
December 27, 2017
Here's to Ken Davies, my professor at Paier College of Art near then end of his teaching career and the beginning of my illustration career. I was fortunate to have his tough critiques to my final portfolio. "Edges, turn those edges!" A comment I hear in my head every day in my studio. My condolences to Maryann and all who loved Ken.
December 27, 2017
I was a student of Ken Davies from 1963-1967...he was an inspiration to me and i have enjoyed a 45 year art career.. he was my favorite teacher... rest in peace- sincerely- Joel Evans- North Haven
lee bianco
December 27, 2017
An inspiration to countless students such as myself. A time on earth well spent in giving and sharing knowledge and guidance. My thoughts are with his family...Rest in Peace... Lee Andrew Bianco
Roland and Lynne
December 26, 2017
Mary Ann, holding you in our thoughts as we remember Ken, a dear friend and neighbor.
'Love of beauty is taste. Creation of beauty is art." Emerson
Nancy-jo Funaro
December 26, 2017
Prayers for Maryann during this most difficult time. Ken was an amazing artist and his legacy will live on. May he rest in peace.
December 26, 2017
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11
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