Artworks by Denise Henley

I work mainly in three mediums: oil, pastel and acrylic in what would be considered a "Realistic" style, however, lately I have been striving for a more painterly look  by letting go of my grip on the accuracy of representation, honoring instead, the integrity of the paint and the brush stroke. To this end, I will often reach for a painting knife instead of a paintbrush. It is my intention to paint as simply as possible, rendering only that which is essential to my message and omitting unnecessary marks that only serve to complicate and make for a banal work of art.

For me, the human figure is the most beautiful and perhaps the most difficult of subject matters, but one I am most intrigued by. While I often use photographs as reference material, I prefer to paint from life - it is my goal to paint exclusively from life. My passion for art is all consuming and prompts me to engage in some artistic form daily.

I study the works of both old and new masters and have several favorites but if I were to name a few, they would be: John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt, Degas, Pino, John Howard Sanden, Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt.