Karl-Heinz Meschbach
"The Faux Meister"







Murals





"Artist for rent"

This may sound a bit odd at first. But in a sense it is an ancient concept. Many of us do say that we sell our goods, time and service. I too, am available for hire, but prefer the term "for rent" rather than for sale.

When entering into formal apprenticeship at age 14, it was to fulfill a boys ambition of becoming a mural painter.

To do so one would not necessarily pursue the academic path of a fine artist but one through the ancient guild system, which was far more realistic and practical. Here the emphasis was not so much on learning how to express oneself, but to learn the skills required to serve the decorative painting needs and wishes of others.

Thus, although I may have developed into a at least reasonable fine artist, my primary education and experience is in being of good service to my customers. This as a painter, faux finisher and muralist.


Entry Hall, 12X26X22' Zoerb Res.
Night Sky Mural
Faux Mahogany Wood & Travertine Walls
1st Place 1994 PIPP Award

Dining Room, Zoerb Residence, MN
Trompe L'Oeil Ceiling, Faux Glazed Walls

Sitting Room, 16X16X16'
Trompe L'Oeil Ceiling, Faux Bois Walls
Murlowski Residence, MN.
1st Place 1990 PIPP

"Tea in the Garden"
4 X 8' , Oil on Wood,
SDP/DAC Collection, Wichita, KS
Forty-five years of practical work in the field has made a extremely professional, versatile and efficient craftsman.

I take pride in my work and Guild tradition as much as in a high degree of ethical and professional standards. All this at a fair and reasonable price.

On occasion someone would approach me with a peculiar statement: "Your work is so good! We could never afford you."    This, I must add, without asking the price.


Trompe L'Oeil
Aveda, MN
Acrylic on Sheetrock
How much does my service cost ? A relevant question, the answer depending on the nature and scope of a commission or project. My fees are those of any better professional tradesman, no more then a good plumber or mechanic.

This fact coupled with high efficiency and expertise enables me to be highly competetive in any market; local, national and international.


Faux Chinoiserie Wallpaper
Entry Hall MN
Pic. 1  Pic. 2
To illustrate cost, without mentioning money, let me do so on hand of two samples of my work.

1. A client desired to have a traditional, handpainted French wallpaper in the Chinese style (Chinoiserie) installed in the entry of their town house. The paper was discontinued and I was hired to hand paint the scenes directly onto the walls. The cost of my service amounted to half of what the paper and its installation was estimated for.


2. One of the most ambitious ceiling murals I had the opportunity of excecuting was a 1st place winner in the PIPP competition.

The painting included a vast array of traditional, highly realistic images; many by noted masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Tiepolo.

These had been selected by my client and where woven together with my own contributions.

From the moment of our first consultation and sketches to the last brush stroke and finish, it required a total of 11 weeks or about 450 hours of labor. ( View shots of this "work-in-progress." )


"Zoerb Mural"
Close up Pictures
1  2  3  4  5  6   7  8

Pool Room Strout Res., MN ,
Tadema Garden Scene
9.5X30' , 1st Place
1991 PIPP Award
Pic. 1 Pic. 2 Pic. 3
Of course, simpler paintings such as a effective redition of a sky will be finished much quicker. In four to five days perhaps, depending.

In short and to the point. If you should find value in my work and sense that I may be able to realize your decorative painting needs, be so kind as to contact me.

I love my work and would appreciate the opportunity to be of service.


Preliminary consultations, sketches, samples and estimates are of course without obligation; on both sides.


Wall Mural
12 x 20"
Aveda MN

Exterior Mural (detail)
Aveda Spa, WI
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words!

It is also said that the average person today looks at a work of art for but three seconds....


Bath Tub
Aveda Spa WI
Oil on Iron


Trompe L'Oeil Door
Aveda Spa WI
Oil on Wood

Elevator Hall
Faux Stained Glass, Mortices,
Vines to camoflage pipes

Aveda MN
Pic.1

Stair Hall MN
Oil on Burlap
Pic.1  Pic.2  Pic.3
If an artist paints a picture for weeks and months, spare at least a long minute.



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Karl-Heinz Meschbach

The Faded Line between Art and Decoration
23179 Bear Run Road, Danville OH 43014
Phone: 740-599-6017
karlheinzmeschbach@yahoo.com


Copyright © 2003 Karl-Heinz Meschbach.