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.
The Derby, Wellington FLA
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A gestural painting of a horse and rider landing from jumping an oxer in a large green field in sunny Florida.
Oil, Panel
$9,500
"Single Rose" impressionist oil painting, orange rose blossom in glass, framed
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Single Rose" is an impressionist oil painting; a rustic still life . A glass pitcher holding a single peach-toned rose, situated on a wooden surface, beside a rustic mirror. A canva...
Linen, Oil
"Bed" Figurative, Impressionist painting of nude woman laying in bed
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Bed" is an impressionist, figurative painting of a woman lying in bed. Ben Fenske (b. 1978), although a native of Minnesota, has been working and living in Florence, Italy for over...
Linen, Oil
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Blue Green Sunset and Snow in Florence" two sided painting Fenske color study
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A panel painting that is painted on both sides—one side an abstract sunset and the other side a snowy cityscape with Florence's famous Duomo in the background. Ben Fenske (b. 1978)...
Oil, Panel
$1,800
"Canal at Indian Mound Road" RARE Ben Fenske Gouache work on paper black & white
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Painted during the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. A black and white depiction of a canal, is barely recognizable, due to Fenske's wild brushstrokes and lack...
Paper, Gouache
$19,000
"Tea, Reading" impressionist composition of woman at the kitchen table, Tuscany
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Tea, Reading" impressionist composition of woman at the kitchen table, Tuscany. A woman sits in Fenske's kitchen, reading a book and sipping on tea. Light streams in through an open...
Linen, Oil, Canvas
$12,000
"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. ...
Canvas, Oil
$18,000
"Poppies, Chamomile" red wildflower impressionistic still life oil painting 2023
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Freshly picked wildflowers are the star of this canvas—red poppies and yellow and white chamomile blossoms in their full imperfect glory. Grouped in a simple ceramic vase, on a neutr...
Canvas, Oil
$11,000
"Boathouse, Evening Light" contemporary impressionist oil painting en plein air
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Boathouse, Evening Light" is a contemporary impressionist oil painting, painted en plein air. A recognizable East Coast scene in the Fenske style. Ben Fenske (b. 1978) although a ...
Linen, Oil, Canvas
$10,500
"Fishing Hut" contemporary impressionist oil painting boat house, green and blue
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Fishing Hut" contemporary impressionist oil painting boat house in green and blue hues. An oil painting of a small shack in a marina in rich impre...
Linen, Oil
$14,200
"Winter Still Life" oil painting beer, clementines on rustic wooden table, Italy
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Winter Still Life" is an oil painting of drinks and clementines on rustic wooden table, Italy. A box of clementines, a silver espresso maker, a sack...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Paper, Conté, Crayon
"Lilacs, Pecorino, Wine" contemporary impressionist earthy tone still life
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Lilacs, Pecorino, Wine" is a contemporary impressionist earthy tone still life. A moka pot, jug of olive oil, and pecorino make this still life uniquely Italian. The hard cheese lay...
Linen, Oil
Abandoned House
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An impressionistic painting of a recognizably Tuscan in the center of the rolling countryside.
Linen, Oil
"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
Jess Panda, Sketch
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A contemporary oil painting of a woman stepping out of her small car, a Fiat Panda. Painted from life, shadows are purple and atmospheric. She's parked on bright green grass, in rura...
Canvas, Oil