Henry Asencio Biography

"Abstract Expressionism" or "Abstract Realism", Asencio's work cannotbe pigeonholed by style or semantics. His open brushwork, sweepingcolor, use of texture and precise drawing skills have resulted in abody of work that has earned him international accolades.In 1996, Asencio was sponsored by art supply company, Thayer andChandler, which resulted in exposure in exhibitions as far as Germanyand Paris. In 1998, Asencio's work was recognized in an artcompetition in Amsterdam. Earning the prestige of being a first timeartist dually awarded with gold and silver medals in two separatedivisions, he was acknowledged for self portraiture in oils and workin acrylic medium. Excellence in his chosen discipline, Asenciograduated with honors from the San Francisco Art Academy in 1999. Hewas a chosen finalist in an Artist's Magazine competition that sameyear, again for his work in portraiture.Although he earned a living as a portrait artist early in his career,today Asencio is "more concerned with creating a mood and pushing theaesthetic rather than achieving a true likeness as the ultimate end."The artist refers to his current content of his work as "sublimefigures with aggressive application". He claims to be naturally drawnto paint the human figure for its timeless sensitivity" and he adds,"nothing inspires me more intensely than the female form." Noted forthe sensual vitality of his work that is striking and simple yet,sustain its integrity through the subtleties." In the end, it is theimpulsive approach to his art and the passion expressed in eachAsencio painting that has the power to move the viewer and take on anidentitly all its own.

Asencio proclaims an admiration for artists who have chosen their ownpath, those who are inspired to follow their muse. And it is this paththat he has chosen for himself as a fine artist. Inspired by the worksof British artist Lucien Freud, the grandson of Sigmund Freud, Asencioclaims, "his work of the flesh is unsurpassed". He is also motivatedby the "unbelievable vision, work ethic and unrelenting passion" ofPablo Picasso. Other notable inspirations include Wilhelm de Kooningfor "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 translatesan impulse into his own reality on canvas and other surfaces. He hasrecently begun to paint on board, as the surface is more resilient tohis aggressive paint style. The artist prefers to work in oils as"nothing compares to the richness and workability of the oil mediumand it fits my technique perfectly." He frequently works with livemodels or photographs. He will begin a painting with gesture drawingand then begin to mix color and apply the paint according to histemperament. Asencio applies the thick paint with a palette knifethereby transforming a traditional painting into one possessing hissignature style.

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

Asencio's work is represented by Crown Thorn Publishing, San Diego,publisher of his limited edition mixed media prints, combininglithography, serigraphy and artist embellishments, in editions of 195,25 AP's.