Ensrud is known foremost as a painter and printmaker, but he was also highly involved in film, animation and TV, having worked for both ABC and PBS. His career began at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He has studied with such renowned masters as Ben Shahn, Joseph Albers, Jacques Lipchitz and Oskar Kokoschka. Kokoschka profoundly influenced his work by focusing him on nature, landscape, the figure and portraiture. Ensrud has had over 60 exhibitions in the United States, Europe and Japan. He has painted the major chateaux and vineyards of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Chateauneuf du Pape, Italy and Napa Valley.  Some of his commissions include: Moet-Chandon, Martell Cognac, Godiva Liqueur, House of Seagrams and American Express.

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One of Ensrud’s favorite themes is women—sensuous, provocative and sexy. Through his art, he expresses the beauty and femininity of women. 

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​Ensrud's uniqueness is positive, refreshing and clearly definitive. His subject matter is as varied as his moods whether he is doing landscape, seascape, portraiture, an impression of a place he has seen or something he feels. Combined in his work is an explosive, versatile, extremely skillful use of intense color, varied emotional tensions and an uninhibited creative imagination. His best work is quite free, happy and not labored or overworked. Ensrud's painting are life affirmative, a celebration of being luminously brought about by his belief that it is the artistic responsibility to reveal through color the truth and spirit in every form.