Kenneth Southworth Davies

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 Brit aim 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 29th from 4:00-7:00 pm 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