Marc Dennis is an American artist who paints detailed oil pictures. He uses a hyperreal style that looks like old master paintings but adds modern touches. Animals, flowers, and small comic gestures often appear in his work. He studied at Tyler School of Art and the University of Texas and spent time in Rome and Venice.
One series, Three Jews Walk Into a Bar, places Hasidic figures into a famous Manet picture. Dennis links this series to long research and teaching about the Holocaust and to Jewish humor. He says humor can both critique and charm. He also talks about climate change and about AI in art. He has exhibitions planned in December 2025 and early 2026.
Difficult words
- artist — A person who creates art.
- painting — A picture made with color on a surface.paints, paintings
- style — A particular way of doing something.
- real — Something that is not fake or imagined.looks
- modern — Relating to the present time; new.
- beauty — A quality that pleases the senses.
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Discussion questions
- Why do you think humor is important in art?
- How do modern elements change traditional art forms?
- What effect do you think animals have in Dennis's paintings?
