Chris Klein
Fine Art Painting | Hyper-Realism | Costume, Craft & Memory
Chris Klein is an internationally recognised fine artist whose hyper-realistic paintings elevate costume, fabric and material into powerful portraits of character and history. Best known for his large-scale costume studies, he transforms garments from theatre, film and fashion into emotive works that honour the craftsmanship and human stories behind the spectacle.
With a career spanning decades in the world of performance, Chris brings rare insight to his fine art practice. He previously served as Head Scenic Artist at Canada’s Stratford Festival and has worked across Cirque du Soleil, Broadway and the West End. That theatrical foundation informs everything he paints - an understanding of how objects carry narrative, how light animates texture, and how presence can be felt even in the absence of a figure.
His costume portraits have celebrated iconic works and collections, including pieces from The Lion King, the wardrobe of Queen, designs by Dame Zandra Rhodes, and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace. His paintings have been exhibited widely across Europe and North America and are held in significant private collections. A notable commission included a bespoke work for Disney’s The Lion King 20th Anniversary - a testament to the trust placed in his eye and sensitivity.
Alongside this body of work, Chris has developed a compelling series exploring industrial decay. His Salvage Yard paintings depict rusted machinery, weathered steel and forgotten structures with the same reverence he gives to silk, velvet and embroidery. In these works, corrosion becomes texture, and abandonment becomes beauty - revealing quiet poetry in overlooked places.
Chris accepts select commissions that align with his interests and values - projects where history, material and visual drama intersect. His paintings invite viewers to slow down and look closely, revealing that even the most utilitarian or ornate objects can carry soul, memory and lasting presence.
Artist Terms of Sale: This artist sets their own Terms & Conditions, which apply to any purchase. You can view their site below. If no terms are published there, Artisan Collective’s Fallback Terms will be used.
