Ed Fenendael, Local Artist, Exhibits In Monet's French Village!

Congratulations to Ed! This is just spectacular - we have appreciated Ed's art for a long time - and now he is exhibiting in France! See Press Release below!
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Door County Watercolorist Ed Fenendael’s Florals Bloom in Monet’s French Village


Ed Fenendael grew up surrounded by art and music. Nurtured by his creative mother, the artist as a young boy recalls memories of “a freshly sharpened pencil or the scent of a new box of crayons.” Today, the circle has been completed and Fenendael, who resides in the Township of Egg Harbor, is an acclaimed watercolorist whose works are exhibited throughout the United States.
And the icing on the proverbial cake is representation in Giverny, France, the site of renowned artist Claude Monet’s home and gardens. The setting could not be more appropriate for an artist whose watercolor paintings are alive with spontaneity.
“To exhibit in France—and most especially in Monet’s village--is a dream come true,” said Fenendael. “I never thought this would actually happen. I couldn’t be more pleased. More than 5,000 visitors tour the gardens daily, and now they will have an opportunity to view my work. It’s a gift.”
Growing up on a farm in Pound, Wisconsin Fenendael had no idea his art would eventually take him across the ocean. As a boy traveling across the bay was the extent of his wanderings. “As a young woman my mother worked in Green Bay as a governess and the family visited Ephraim. Years later we returned to Door County as a family to pick cherries. I’ve loved it here ever since,” explained Fenendael.
The Wisconsin native ventured south to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University where he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. But as Fenendael embarked on a dental practice, the emerging artist pursued his love of painting, studying art at every opportunity.
A move to Kansas City, Missouri, however, proved the turning point in his professional life and Fenendael’s career path curved to the arts. A dentist for 30 years, he continued his study of art at the Kansas City Art Institute. His work drew rave reviews and turned the heads of his instructors.
“I was asked to teach at the Westport School of Art, and eventually facilitated workshops in Florida. The workshops were so successful I thought ‘if I can do them here why not hold workshops in Europe.’ And I did. We are all creative; some more than others. Teaching is very rewarding for both the teacher and student," Fenendael said. Adding, “My daughters and grandchildren enjoy making art, as well.”
A member of the Peninsula Art School faculty, the artist returns to the peninsula each summer to teach painting. A permanent relocation to Door County in 2001 brought Fenendael full circle. “I love it here. There is so much inspiration,” he emphasized. “This was meant to be.”
Fenendael currently conducts a yearly international workshop as well as workshops in Florida, California, Kansas City, and Door County. He also teaches classes at Morning Mist Studio at Windmill Farm, the bed and breakfast he co-owns with Frank Villigan. The recipient of a multitude of awards, Fenendael was named a Top-100 Artist in 1998. He is a member of the Door County Art League and the Kansas Watercolor Society, and a founding member of the Missouri Watercolor Society.
“A guest once said of my work ‘it has the stillness of Edward Hopper.” That couldn’t have made me happier. What that woman recognized in my work is “true.” It is what I identify with in Monet. The Impressionists found beauty in the simple, rural, pastoral scenes that surrounded them. I am moved by those subjects, as well,” Fenendael smiled.
Ed Fenendael’s watercolors are on exhibit in Atelier Galerie Letoliacha, Giverny, France, through October 31st. His work is also exhibited at the Watergate Gallery in Washington, DC. The artist’s gallery, Morning Mist Studio, is located at Windmill Farm, 3829 Fairview Road, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin and is open to the public Friday through Sunday, May 15 – October 15. For information about all workshops and classes, contact Ed Fenendael at 920.868.9282 or visit www.watercolorexcitement.com.