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Ben Fenske Portrait Paintings

American, b. 1978

One of the foremost American Impressionists of the 21st century, artist Ben Fenske is known for his bold, energetic brushstrokes and signature use of vivid colors. His figurative paintings, still-lifes and interiors are flooded with warm natural light and dazzle in their wealth of blues, greens and soft violets.

Born in 1978, Fenske grew up in the small rural town of St. Joseph, Minnesota. His interest in art began at an early age. When he was 12 years old, Fenske would spend a minimum of two hours each day drawing and painting, working with charcoal, watercolors, acrylics and pastels. His passion for art broadened in high school, leading him to attend the Minnesota River School of Fine Art at age 18. There, he studied under artists including Joseph Paquet and Darren Rousar.    

Following a brief stint as a graphic designer, Fenske studied in Minneapolis at the Bougie Studio, learning figure drawing and cast drawing from artist Peter Bougie. Later, when he was in his early 20s, Fenske decided to go to Florence, Italy, to study painting and drawing at the Florence Academy of Art

While in Florence, Fenske became inspired by French Impressionism of the 19th and 20th centuries as well as Old Masters paintings and Russian and Soviet art — notably the works of brothers Aleksei and Sergei Tkachev.

For more than a decade, Fenske divides his time between Sag Harbor, New York, and Italy’s Tuscan hills, where he draws inspiration for his landscapes from the surrounding countryside. In addition to his paintings, Fenske has a considerable portfolio of portrait drawings and nude sketches. He has also delved into figurative sculpture, such as the bronze Wild Boar, which he created with artist Richard Zinon.

Fenske regularly exhibits throughout the United States, including annually at the Grenning Gallery in the Hamptons. In 2016, he participated in the “BP Portrait Award Exhibition” at the National Portrait Gallery in London. He was also named by American Artist magazine as one of the “Best 25 Living Artists” in 2012.

On 1stDibs, find a range of Ben Fenske paintings, drawings and sculptures.

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Artist: Ben Fenske
“Self Portrait” oil painting, contemporary impressionist, Ben Fenske, framed
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A self-portrait of contemporary painter, Ben Fenske. Loose brushstrokes and neutral tones make up this composition showing the artist's likeness from his chest to his head. A stern, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Impressionist Ben Fenske Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sketch for Reclining Nude, June
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A loose sketch for a larger painting with the same name and composition.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Ben Fenske Portrait Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

"Amy Outside" 2018 - oil painting, portrait of a woman outdoors sunny yellow hue
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil on canvas painting of a woman outdoors, a curvy tree in the near distance frames her portrait. She wears a yellow short sleeve button-down and a matching scarf in her hair. ...
Category

2010s Impressionist Ben Fenske Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Hanna Sketch" oil painting, impressionist girl in pink dress and sunhat
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A stunning full-size portrait of a woman in a pink dress, straw hat, and red sandals. Although Fenske titles this work as only a sketch, we feel it’s a truly mesmerizing and dynamic ...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Ben Fenske Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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Previously Available Items
Self Portrait Sketch
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Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Impressionist Ben Fenske Portrait Paintings

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Ben Fenske portrait paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ben Fenske portrait paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ben Fenske in fabric, oil paint, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the Impressionist style. Not every interior allows for large Ben Fenske portrait paintings, so small editions measuring 22 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Marjorie May Blake, Hollis Dunlap, and Warren Keating. Ben Fenske portrait paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $9,000 and tops out at $17,700, while the average work can sell for $12,000.