After studying literature, Durenne attended the Académie Julian from 1887 to 1888, where he met Édouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard. The influence of the two master artists is evident in Durenne's painting style. Two further years were spent at the Académie Colarossi in Paris, under professors Rixens and Courtois. Here, importantly, Durenne became friends with artists Albert André, Camille Pissarro, Louis Valtat and Georges d'Espagnat.

From 1900 onwards he devoted himself entirely to painting in Paris, Normandy and Brittany, and with his friends Louis Valtat, Albert André, Georges d'Espagnat, Edouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard explored Marseilles, Toulon, Antibes, Villefranche and Italy, where he expressed his love of nature.

Durenne first exhibited in 1894 in Paris at the 8th exhibition of Impressionists and Symbolists at the Galerie Le Barc de Bouteville. After the 8th exhibition of the Impressionists and Symbolists, Durenne exhibitied his first self-portrait in 1898 at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts followed by a New York exhibition with Durand-Ruel in 1900. .He exhibited genre studies, seascapes and landscapes at the Salon d'Automne from its foundation in 1903 till 1913.

He became a friend of Picasso. From 1937 onwards he lived in the department of the Ain, in Savoy and finally in Dourgne.

After his death his work was shown in 1964 at the Salon Terres Latines (of Latin countries); in several provincial venues such as Béziers, Nantes and Mulhouse, in 1977 at the Tavet museum in Pontoise, and elsewhere. His solo shows included 1978, the city museum in Brest; and 1983, the Pissarro museum in Pontoise.

Museum and Gallery Holdings

Le Havre (Mus. Malraux): The Menagerie

Nice (MBA Jules-Chéret): The Cargo-Boat

Nice (Palais Lascaris)

Paris (Louvre): Dressing

Toulouse: Embroidery Lesson; Child with Doll