Contemporary painter Henry Asencio has emerged as one of the most intriguing young artists working today. Avant-garde in execution, his work blends the classical ideals of figurative painting with a unique, contemporary style revered in his art.

The artist states, "painting for me is very cathartic and is the most articulate way for me to express my passion and internal dialogues." Merging introspection and visual spectacle, Asencio's personal investigations of femininity, spirituality and abstraction possess the power to transform today's ideals of elegance and contemporary sensuality.

"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.

Asencio proclaims an admiration for artists who have chosen their own path, those who are inspired to follow their muse. And it is this path that 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." He is also motivated by the "unbelievable vision, work ethic and unrelenting passion" of Pablo Picasso. Other notable inspirations include Wilhem de Kooning for "making every stoke of the brush different" and Gustav Klimt for "making decorative paintings with integrity."

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