11 Facts About Fred Leist

Frederick William Leist was an Australian artist.

Fred Leist's father, Edward, was a builder; originally from London.

Fred Leist began as a furniture designer for David Jones Limited, but decided on a career in art: studying at Sydney Technical College before entering the Julian Ashton Art School, where he studied directly under Julian Ashton, from whom he learned plein air techniques.

Fred Leist was one of the original members of the Society of Artists.

In 1917, Fred Leist was appointed as an official war artist to serve with the Australian Imperial Force in France.

Fred Leist completed over 150 paintings and sketches during the war and, after his war service, contributed two large murals for the Australian Exhibition at the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley in 1924.

Fred Leist toured the American Southwest, visiting Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

Fred Leist exhibited widely and was a member of numerous art associations, and n 1937 became a foundation member of, and exhibited with, Robert Menzies' anti-modernist organisation, the Australian Academy of Art.

Fred Leist died at Mosman, outside Sydney, in February 1945, of a cerebral thrombosis.

Fred Leist was survived by his wife Ada and a married daughter.

Fred Leist is represented in the Art Gallery of New South Wales with ten works as well a representations in several private collections.