Oral

Oral
Originally uploaded by Renee paints

I was so excited to receive my copy of the book published for the Canvas Project II. This is the exhibition I painted the 5 small canvasses for, put on by the Arthouse Co-op Gallery in Atlanta. 3"x3"...so small, especially for me. The idea was to express the given word (5 in all) on a small canvas. The exhibit has been at several locations this summer, including the Atlanta airport.
Lots of fun.

Inspiration: It's all wet

Morning Koi
Originally uploaded by Renee paints

It might be the long months of extreme heat we have endured here in Florida this year, that has inspired me to explore water in my newest paintings. I grew up in Florida so the heat and humidity should come as no suprise, but the last few weeks have been especially hot!
I welcome the memories of those summer days spent at Ponce DeLeon Springs cooling off in the clear cold waters of the spring, or swimming in the ocean off Daytona Beach.
My two newest paintings are of koi fish in waters of blues and greens. I hope they evoke a sense of refreshment. I enjoyed exploring the textures, layers of colors and reflections that are found in ponds. I am excited to continue that exploration with several more large canvasses I have just begun to work on. I hope you'll stay tuned and enjoy the view.

workshop demo

workshop demo
Originally uploaded by Renee paints

Saturday, August 8th, 2009 I did a demo at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Melbourne. The focus was on texture and color. I showed several ways to create texture on my painting surface. The next step, before deciding on the composition was to start adding several layers of color.
I took the piece to my studio and continued to work, now planning out my composition. I am now adding paint and making decisions on what stays and what goes. That constant challenge that I deal with until a piece is deemed finished. "Finished", the magic word. Then I get to do it all again.

summer workshop

mountain view
Originally uploaded by Renee paints

I am so happy to have arrived at my favorite workshop destination, Wildacres, NC, located in the beautiful blue ridge mountains. It is lovely here and the weather is quite a nice change from hot, sticky, Florida in July.
The work part starts this afternoon. Lots of new printmaking techniques to explore. I can't wait!
I will try and post some progess as I work this week!

Spaces article

Spaces article
Originally uploaded by Renee paints

I was so excited to see the article, I mentioned months back, about my artwork. It's in the latest (July/Aug 09) issue of Spaces magazine. Maria Sonnenberg wrote the article and Brian Abrahamson was the photographer. "Life Affirming Strokes" is the title of the piece.
I am glad it mentions my mom and dad and their life-long philosophy of giving, that has inspired me to use my passion in art to assist others. It is also great to see several of my paintings in my "collectors" homes. Let me know what you think.
I am packing for my annual art workshop at Wildacres in NC. This will be my 9th year attending the continuing ed summer program of Ringling College of Art & Design. I am planning to do several updates to my blog while I am there to share some of the excitement.

pink lemonade

pink lemonade
Originally uploaded by Renee paints

it's time for a summer party...I am just craving some nice pink raspberry flavored cake and lemonade. This piece is brand new for the Fifth Ave Art Gallery's upcoming show, "Cups, Bowls and Recipes" the show will open on July 3rd. Stop by the gallery for wine and food from the gallery cookbook. It will be wonderfully ful-"filling"
I will have several other brand new food inspired art works at the opening.
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery 5:30-8pm

3Crows

3Crows1
Originally uploaded by Renee paints

I am wondering why the neighborhood blackbirds have decided to ravage the little baby lemons on my Meyer lemon tree. This is the second year I have noticed groups of blackbird converging and pecking, pecking...why? I love the blackbirds, crows, grackles...all those lovely creatures. You can see the painting at http://shop.reneedecator.com/products/three-crows