Dave Swensen (b. 1984) is an American painter whose work blends figurative representation with emotional expression. Using wood, paper, and canvas, he conveys texture, depth, and movement through dynamic marks that explore themes of love, magic, dreams, and evil. His vibrant color palette, created with acrylics, oils, waxes, and pigments, evokes fantastical and psychological, transforming figurative elements into symbolic narratives. Each painting captures a frozen moment, inviting personal interpretation and emotional engagement. Swensen’s distinctive approach to drawing and mark-making articulates the complexities of the human experience. He has exhibited widely in the U.S., U.K., Italy, and New Zealand and works in Des Moines, Iowa.