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.
Portrait Sketch
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A portrait of a male head, in profile by BenFenske. The artist uses a variety of colors to convey a naturalist impression. Artist Bio Ben Fenske (b. 1978) although a native of Minn...
Paper, Conté, Crayon
"Self Portrait Conte Sketch" rare Ben Fenske work on paper - academic study
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A colorful self-portrait from Ben Fenske, staring at the viewer straight-on. Hues of red dominate. Unframed. Ben Fenske (b. 1978) although a native of Minnesota, and has been worki...
Paper, Conté
"Self Portrait Sketch" Early conte crayon drawing, head of Ben Fenske, unframed
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An early work on paper, by American Impressionist painter, Ben Fenske. It's rare to see a drawing like this from Fenske, especially of a self portrait. Fenske uses classical draftin...
Paper, Conté
Untitled (Man Reclining on Tile Floor)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Graphite and conté crayon on paper Signed and dated, l.r. This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Mark Beard, born in 1956 in Salt Lake City, now lives in Ne...
Paper, Graphite, Conté
$1,595
H 10.25 in W 12.25 in
Drawing of Putti in the Clouds by Jean-Jacques le Barbier l'Ainé (1738-1826)
By Jean Jacques Francois Le Barbier
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Drawing of Putti in the Clouds Jean-Jacques le Barbier l'Ainé (France, 1738-1826) Black pencil on paper Signed and dated lower left "Le Barbier L'ainé 1816" 10 1/4 x 12 1/4 inches ...
Paper, Pencil
$1,595
H 10.25 in W 12.25 in
Drawing of Putti with Anchor by Jean-Jacques le Barbier l'Ainé (1738-1826)
By Jean Jacques Francois Le Barbier
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Drawing of Putti with Anchor Jean-Jacques le Barbier l'Ainé (1738-1826) Black pencil on paper Signed and dated lower left "...1822. 12 years l waiting" Considering that the anchor ...
Paper, Pencil
$1,444
H 11.23 in W 8.27 in
Louis Charles Auguste Couder (1789-1873) Portrait of a young man, signed pastel
By Louis Charles Auguste Couder
Located in Paris, FR
Louis Charles Auguste Couder (1789-1873) Portrait of a young man signed on the right border Pastel on paper 28.5 x 21 cm In good condition In a modern frame : 48 x 40.5 cm Augu...
Pastel
$210Sale Price|30% Off
H 18.9 in W 14.97 in
Academic Study for the Head of an Apostle or Saint
Located in Firenze, IT
Study for the Head of an Apostle or Saint Artist: Enrico Reffo (1831-1917) Medium: Charcoal and white chalk on colored paper Dimensions: [To be specified] Date: Late 19th - Early 20...
Paper, Charcoal, Carbon Pencil
$551Sale Price|20% Off
H 18 in W 12 in
Pair of antique portraits women period clothes framed drawing red hats 19th
Located in Buffalo, NY
A pair of original red conte crayon drawings in their original frames featuring two young women in period clothing.
Paper, Conté
$14,000
H 18 in W 14 in
Vogue Magazine Illustration Turn of the Century - Woman Illustrator
By Helen Dryden
Located in Miami, FL
Early in the artist's career most likely for Vogue Magazine. Signed lower left. Helen Dryden (1882–1972) was an American artist and successful industrial designer in the 1920s and 1...
India Ink, Pencil, Graphite, Gouache
Untitled (Man in Repose Leaning Against Post)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Conté crayon on paper Signed and dated, l.r. This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Mark Beard, born in 1956 in Salt Lake City, now lives in New York City. ...
Paper, Conté
$2,652
H 11.82 in W 8.67 in
The Loving Couple Drawing, Carbon Pencil on Paper, 1919
By Charles Angrand
Located in Paris, Île-de-France
Circle of Charles Angrand (1854-1926) The Loving Couple Pencil and stump on paper, 30 x 22 cm Dated "10.4.19" lower left. Trace of a dedication Otherwise unsigned. Provenance: Pr...
Conté, Carbon Pencil
$6,000
H 41.34 in W 43.31 in D 1.97 in
Vortex - Dynamic Figurative Work, Charcoal and Conté Drawing on Watercolor Paper
By Patsy McArthur
Located in Dallas, TX
Vortex is a contemporary figurative charcoal and conté drawing on watercolour paper that explores motion, gravity, and the expressive potential of the human form. Rendered in rich mo...
Charcoal, Archival Paper, Conté
Untitled (Man in Blue Tank Top)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Pastel and conté crayon with partial foil star on Rives BFK paper Signed and dated, l.r. This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Mark Beard, born in 1956 in ...
Foil
Untitled (Man Reading Newspaper)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Conté crayon on paper Signed, l.r. This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Mark Beard, born in 1956 in Salt Lake City, now lives in New York City. His works ...
Paper, Conté
Nude Sketch #2
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A rare work on paper by Ben Fenske. A sketch of a female nude, posing. Drawn from direct observation using a live model. White chalk is used to create highlights. Not framed. Wrapped...
Paper, Charcoal
Female Portrait Sketch
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A rare work on paper by Ben Fenske. Drawn using conte crayon from direct observation, Fenske uses classical drafting techniques to capture this portrait of a woman's face, slightly i...
Paper, Conté, Crayon
Sold
H 19 in W 25.5 in
"Nude Sketch" rare work on paper academic study by neoimpressionist Ben Fenske
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An academic drawing of a female figure, sitting atop a flat surface. Sitting on one leg, the other bent and outstretched. Fenske highlights the lines of the figure with a burnt orang...
Paper, Charcoal