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Ben Fenske Figurative 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
"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 Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté

Self Portrait Sketch
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 Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté

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 Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon, 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...
Category

Early 2000s Academic Ben Fenske Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

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Christopher drawings are represented by Ann Nathan Gallery in Chicago, and he shows his prints across the nation. -CV- EDUCATION MFA 2001 Printmaking Indiana University-Bloomington BFA 1995 Drawing and Printmaking University of Missouri-Columbia TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2002-13 Associate Professor, Printmaking and Drawing Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), Fort Wayne, IN 2002 Adjunct Professor: Lithography (instructor of record) Indiana University-Bloomington 1998-00 Associate Instructor: Beginning Drawing (instructor of record) Indiana University-Bloomington 1998 Artist’s Assistant, Assisted Distinguished Professor Emeritus Rudy Pozzatti in the production of an intaglio edition, Bloomington, IN SOLO OR SMALL GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2013 Multiplicities: Drawings and Prints by Christopher Ganz, Franklin College, Franklin, IN Feb. 5 – Feb. 21 2012 Dramatis Personae: Drawings and Prints by Christopher Ganz, University of South Carolina-Columbia, Jan 16. – Feb. 16, 2012 2011 Christopher Ganz; Prints and Drawing Hendrix College, Hendrix, Arkansas, March 5 - 18 2009 Fall Season Exhibition, six drawings displayed Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago. Oct 16 – Nov. 24 South Bend Museum of Art Biennial 25 - regional juried exhibition for artists in all media, six large drawings displayed; 14 artists selected from over 200 submissions; May 30-Aug. 23 Juror: William Lieberman, Director of Zolla/Lieberman Gallery, Chicago 2007 Christopher Ganz: Drawings, The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center Covington, KY, March 9 - April 6 Alter Egos: Drawings and Prints by Christopher Ganz Trisolini Gallery, Ohio University, Athens, OH, Jan. 9 - Feb.17 2005 The Two-Way Mirror: Self - Portraits by Christopher Ganz Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, IN, Aug.20 - Oct. 23 2004 Works on Paper: Christopher Ganz and Paul Schumann Robert E. Wilson Gallery, Huntington College, Huntington, IN, Sept. 2 - 25 2002 Images by Christopher Ganz - Visual Arts Gallery Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, Sept. 3 – Oct. 11 2001 M.F.A. 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Ben Fenske figurative drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ben Fenske figurative drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ben Fenske in paper, chalk, conté and more. Not every interior allows for large Ben Fenske figurative drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 18 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jean Baptiste Édouard Detaille, and Georges Conrad. Ben Fenske figurative drawings and watercolors prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $640, while the average work can sell for $520.

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