about

Martin Stensaas combines classical realism with the modern experience of mystical consciousness. His distinctive technique combines deep and colorful glazes, subtractive maneuvers, and fine line work to build up enchanted figures and their psychedelic, otherworldly surroundings. His works are unique painterly experiences from across the room or a few inches away. Luminous colors and glazed effects evoke translucent evolving shapes that congeal into suggestive mythical forms.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Martin grew up interested in art and science and the rugged landscapes of the West. He studied under David Amico and Earl Jones before receiving a four-year full-tuition scholarship to the University of Utah Art Department, where he received his BFA.  

His imagery explores a mythic zone populated by dreamlike animals and figures. Martin enjoys working collaboratively with other painters. The mashup of styles involving other artists working together in tag-team fashion evokes a thick, sensual, and morphing atmosphere. 

Selected exhibitions

• 2021: “The City Rises” Palette Gallery, San Francisco, CA

• 2021: “Stensaas/Strasburg” Redman Gallery, Salt Lake City, UT

• 2018: “Mystical Beasts” Curated by Martin Stensaas, Sally Centigrade Gallery, Denver, CO

• 2018: Phaneros Pavillion, High Times Cannabis Cup, Sonoma CA

• 2017: "11/11 Solo and Collaborations with Martin Stensaas and Sunny Strasburg." Phaneros Gallery. Nevada City, CA

• 2017: "Modern Symbolists." Group Show. Curated by Julie Baroh and Liba Waring Stambollion. Krab Jab Gallery. Seattle, WA

• 2016: "Dreams and Divinities Art for Peace." European Traveling Show. Paris, Berlin

• 2016: "MAPS Fundraiser." Bentley Reserve, San Francisco, CA

• 2015: "Love, Solo and Collaborations with Martin Stensaas and Sunny Strasburg." Utah Arts Alliance, Urban Access Gallery. SLC, UT.

• 2015: "Monsters." Curated by Mark Slusser. Slusser Gallery, SLC, UT

• 2015: "MAPS Fundraiser." Bentley Reserve, San Francisco, CA

• 2014: “Universe, The Art of Existence” Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco, CA

• 2014: “Primordial Soup” E3 Modern, Salt Lake City, UT

• 2014: "Red Tide: Martin Stensaas Collaborations with the Oyster Pirates and Sunny Strasburg." Bash Gallery, San Francisco, CA

• 2014: "Big Time. Oyster Pirates Collaborations." Central Utah Art Center: CUAC, SLC, UT

• 2014: "Art Salon Series Group Show." White Space Contemporary Gallery, Ogden, UT

• 2014: "Out of the Box Group Show." White Space Contemporary Gallery, Ogden, UT

• 2013-2015: "Dreams and Divinities Fernal Delights." Traveling Show. San Cristobal, Monterrey, MX and Dallas, TX

• 2012: "Martin Stensaas Recent Work." Solo Show. Salt Lake City Public Library. SLC, UT

• 2012: "Astral Freestyle" Solo Exhibition. Knew Conscious Gallery. Denver, CO

• 2012: "Ascension: Group Show". Knew Conscious Gallery. Denver, CO

• 1995: "Martin Stensaas" Solo Exhibition. Curated by Melissa Chappell, Directors Guild of America. LA, CA

events

• 2017: Performing Artist: Gem and Jam Art Pavilion. Tucson, AZ

• 2016: Invitational Live Painter: Das Energi. SLC, UT

• 2015: Invitational Live Painter. Sacred Spaces. Burning Man

• 2014: Invitational Live Painter. Sacred Spaces. Burning Man

• 2014: Group Show. Boom! Festival. Portugal

• 2013: Group Show. Envision Festival. Costa Rica

• 2011: Invitational Live Painter. Red Lightning. Burning Man

• 2007: Entheon Group Show. Entheon Village, Burning Man

• 1995: Original Artwork Featured by Paramount Pictures in "Kiss the Girls"

press & publications

• 2019 MAPS Bulletin Vol XXIX Number 3 Cover Art

• 2015, April: Studio Visit & Interview with Scott Bailey, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine

• 2014: Encyclopedia of Fernal Affairs. Art Book ISBN: 978-2-9534581-2-1

Education

• 1992: Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Utah