Ben Fenske offers viewers a contemporary impressionist view of the female figure in a dazzling solo exhibition.
The Grenning Gallery in Wellington, Florida, is thrilled to be exhibiting a solo show for contemporary impressionist Ben Fenske, an artist known for his skilled handling of light, color, and shade. The body of work featured predominantly focuses on female figures, with some canvases venturing into narrative.
Ben Fenske, “Nude Sleeping,” 2015, oil on canvas, 35.4 x 43.3 in. Grenning Gallery
“Nude, 2015” is a representational example. The painting shows a beautifully observed standing female nude with her back turned to the viewer. She stands within a room that is dominated by bold, lively strokes of red, pink, orange, and yellow. An open wardrobe — indicated by flashes of blue — displays an abstract arrangement of clothing. Indeed, the naturalism of the figure seems to balance the broader abstraction that characterizes the overall space of the room.
Ben Fenske, “Lunch Table,” 2015, oil on canvas, 39.4 x 47.2 in. Grenning Gallery
Another superb example is Fenske’s “Nude Sleeping,” a deeply intimate and private picture. A foreshortened nude figure is seen on a bed in shadow, the sensual position emphasizing her curves and exposing her to the viewer. An open window allows a soft light to flood the interior, giving the room a calming glow. In both pictures, Fenske’s color palette and brushwork are broad, harmonious, and rich, activating the surface in a manner similar to Auguste Renoir.
Ben Fenske, “Melon,” 2015, oil on canvas, 27.6 x 35.4 in. Grenning Gallery
Fenske also explores narrative in “Lunch Table,” a subject that aligns the artist even more closely with Renoir. The painting is a magnificent achievement as it displays Fenske’s attention to texture, observational skill, mastery of paint application, and polished use of saturated complementary and primary color.
“Ben Fenske: Solo Show” opens today, August 6, and will be on view through August 23. An opening reception will take place Saturday, August 8, at 6:30 p.m.
To learn more, visit The Grenning Gallery.
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