“Abstract Expressionism” or “Abstract Realism”? Asencio’s work cannot be pigeonholed by style or semantics. His open brushwork, sweeping color, use of texture and precise drawing skills have resulted in a body of work that has earned him international accolades.

In 1996, Asencio was sponsored by art supply company, Thayer and Chandler, which resulted in exposure in exhibitions as far as Germany and Paris. In 1998, Asencio’s work was recognized in an art competition in Amsterdam, where he earned the prestige of being a first-time artist dually awarded with gold and silver medals in two separate divisions: self-portraiture in oils and work in acrylic medium. Excellent in his chosen discipline, Asencio graduated with honors from the San Francisco Art Academy in 1999. He was even a chosen finalist in The Artist’s Magazine competition that same year, again for his work in portraiture.

Although Asencio earned a living as a portrait artist early in his career, today he is “more concerned with creating a mood and pushing the aesthetic rather than achieving a true likeness as the ultimate end.” Asencio refers to the current content of his work as “sublime figures with aggressive application.” He is naturally drawn to paint the human figure for its “timeless sensitivity” and, he adds, “nothing inspires me more intensely than the female form.” His artwork is noted for its sensual vitality that is striking and simple; it is art that “sustains its integrity through the subtleties.” In the end, it is Asencio’s impulsive approach to his art and the passion expressed in each one of his paintings that has the power to move the viewer and take on an identitly all its own.

Asencio proclaims an admiration for artists who have chosen their own path—those who are inspired to follow their muse. This is the path he has chosen for himself as a fine artist. Inspired by the works of British artist Lucien Freud, the grandson of Sigmund Freud, Asencio claims, “his work of the flesh is unsurpassed.” Asencio is also motivated by the “unbelievable vision, work ethic and unrelenting passion” of Pablo Picasso. Other notable inspirations include Wilhelm de Kooning for “making every stroke of the brush different,” and Gustav Klimt for “making decorative painting with integrity.”

Using life as a vehicle to produce his art, Asencio’s work translates an impulse into his own reality. Asencio has recently begun to paint on board, as the surface is more resilient to his aggressive painting style. The artist prefers to work in oils as “nothing compares to the richness and workability of the oil medium and it fits my technique perfectly.” Asencio frequently works with live models or photographs. He begins a painting with gesture drawing and then begins to mix color and apply the paint according to his temperament. Lastly, he applies the thick paint with a palette knife, transforming a traditional painting into one possessing his signature style.

A native of California, today the artist lives and works in his studio near San Jose, north of his birthplace of Los Angeles.

Born: 1971 in Los Angeles, California

Education and training: San Francisco Academy of Art University

Career date: 2000

Currently resides in: San Jose, California

Major awards:
“Today’s Top Artist”, Art Business News (2007– 2010)
Thayer and Chandler Sponsorship Tour
Gold and Silver Medal Amsterdam Art Competition

Major shows:
Latin American Museum (2009)
New York Artexpo sell-out shows (2002-2009)
United Kingdom Tour 2008, 2011

Major collectors:
Ice-T (Entertainer)
Coco Austin (Model)
Robert Sullivan (Principal of Outback Steak Houses)
Peter Sanchez (C.O.O. of Taylor Made Golf )
Pino (Famous Figurative Artist)

Henry Asencio