Born in Minsk, Russia, the young Oppenheim emigrated to the United States in 1906, settling in New York City. Embarking on an artistic career, he studied on Cape Cod with Charles W. Hawthorne, also attending classes in New York at the Art Students League and the National Academy of Design.

In the 30's and 40's, Oppenheim pursued a successful career as a well-known fashion illustrator. In 1946 he built a summer studio in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and began in earnest his career as a portraitist which eventually included scores of portraits of public and private figures.

A highly popular teacher, Oppenheim conducted classes in portrait painting at the Art Students League as well as in his private studio.

Hall of Fame of American Portrait Painting