J. Rodney Dennis is an American realist painter whose work blends classical technique with a desire to capture the intangible spirit of humanity. Born in Washington, D.C., Rod was introduced to museum-quality paintings and sculpture at an early age through the Smithsonian Institution. Recognized for his unusual talent and keen sense of observation, he was invited to participate in a special Smithsonian drawing and painting workshop where one of his works was retained. By age fourteen, he was studying under a local portrait artist. Rod went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Visual Communication, during which his talents were further encouraged by portraitist Henry Koener. He built a professional career in commercial illustration, art direction, and graphic design for Fortune 100 companies before returning to his first love, fine art. In 2012, he trained with nationally known portraitist Danni Dawson and later studied at the Bucks County Classical Arts Center and the Academy of Realist Art in Boston, where he pursued over three years of intensive atelier training. This academic approach, rooted in the traditions of the Old Masters and passed through the Boston School lineage, emphasized observing and rendering nature with accuracy and discipline. Among Rod’s influences are Diego Velázquez, the Dutch Masters, and Henry Ossawa Tanner. Tanner’s ability to capture experiences reflective of his culture particularly inspired Rod, who seeks in his own work to go beyond replication of the tangible to reveal the essence and spirit of the human condition. “Every stroke is calculated and for good reason,” Rod explains. “It’s about what I believe needs to be said—and how that opens an invitation for others to engage.” Rod’s paintings emphasize narrative, often bringing forward voices and perspectives rarely highlighted in traditional representational art. His seminary training and graduate work in the social sciences, combined with his artistic discipline, support his lifelong commitment to creating paintings that resonate with innocence, beauty, and heart. Read more about the artist in J. Rodney Dennis: Capturing the Intangible Essence of Humanity Through Art. Hear Rod in his own words on Radio Maine.