He studied under Master Rocke and Master Herrman in the more than 1000 year old European Guild Tradition, winning numerous commendation's and awards including second place in a national competition. In 1960 he was awarded the prestigious Berlin City and Guild Certification as a Decorative Painter.

Karl-Heinz worked as a mural painter in East Germany and Austria until he escaped to West Germany in 1961. He immigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago. The following year he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Schwabach, West Germany, where he held his first solo exhibition in 1965. After active service he returned to Chicago, working as a painter, murlalist and illustrator. In 1973 he changed his emphasis to oil painting, exhibiting his work in major Illinois universities and several galleries.

Karl Heinz presently resides and has recently established his Atelier (a French word for a combination of Studio, Workshop and Gallery) in Ohio, near Mount Vernon; one hour NE of Columbus.

His current work and instructions include, but are not limited to, glazing techniques, marbling, wood graining, mural painting, trompe l'oeil and a renewed focus on the finer arts.

Out of this rich background has grown the desire to share what he has learned. His teaching has taken him across North and South America, Europe and Asia.

Karl-Heinz is, among other, the recipient of the 1991, 1992 and 1994 "PIPP" award given by Association of Professional Painters of America.

In 2001 he won the Joan Johnson Award of Excellence, given by the DAC, the Decorative Art Collection, for his small valet box entitles "Nuts".

Karl-Heinz earned the Grand Price in the 2005 Loparex Faux Finishing Competition.

Most recently, as part of the restoration of St. Anthony church in Wichita, KS; the 2007 Award for Excellence by the Kansas Preservation Alliance, Inc.

2001 Joan Johnson Award of Excellence 

2005 Loparex Grand Price 

2007 Kansas Preservation Alliance Award of Excellence

He also collaborated with the traditional Master brush makers, expanding his line of exceptional decorative painting brushes. These are marketed under the trademark "Faux Meister" and "Faux Paw".