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Ben Fenske Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

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
Portrait Sketch
Portrait Sketch

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Ben Fenske Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté, Crayon

Female Portrait Sketch #2
Female Portrait Sketch #2

Female Portrait Sketch #2

By Ben Fenske

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

A colorful sketch of a female bust, in the style of contemporary academic realism. Artist Bio Ben Fenske (b. 1978) although a native of Minnesota, a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Ben Fenske Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté, Crayon

"Self Portrait Conte Sketch" rare Ben Fenske work on paper - academic study
"Self Portrait Conte Sketch" rare Ben Fenske work on paper - academic study

"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...

Category

Early 2000s Academic Ben Fenske Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté

"Self Portrait Sketch" Early conte crayon drawing, head of Ben Fenske, unframed
"Self Portrait Sketch" Early conte crayon drawing, head of Ben Fenske, unframed

"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...

Category

Early 2000s Academic Ben Fenske Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté

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Ben Fenske portrait drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ben Fenske portrait drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ben Fenske in chalk, conté, paper and more. Not every interior allows for large Ben Fenske portrait drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 18 inches across are available. Ben Fenske portrait drawings and watercolors prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $520 and tops out at $780, while the average work can sell for $520.