Dave Swensen (B. 1984) is an American painter and sculptor. The contemporary use of figurative elements derived from folklore and cinema defines Swensen's work. Using wood, paper, and canvas he creates paintings from a time in history that is never defined yet feels familiar. Swensen's emotional use of color implements a mix of vibrant acrylics, oils, waxes, and pigments. His dynamic color palette signals elements of the fantastic that are currently in play. Visual cues from themes of love, magic, dreams, and evil are deeply rooted within the context of his pieces; pulling out folklore elements and placing them into a visual form. Each piece acts as a still image of a story allowing the viewer to process the tale in their own way. Swensen has taken part in numerous solo and group exhibitions within the United States and abroad. He works from his studio in Des Moines, Iowa, and is represented by Galleria Ramo located in Como, Italy.