Today we’d like to introduce you to Renea Eshleman.
Hi Renea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I especially enjoy creating nature compositions from photographs I take while traveling around the beautiful state of South Carolina. I strive to lure the viewer into wanting to “be there” in the painting to look for what is not obvious. My art includes representational, dream compositions, and some objective abstract. Having begun painting in traditional transparent watercolor, I mostly paint and create collage on non-traditional surfaces using liquid and tube watercolor, gouache, acrylics, and self-printed papers.
The traditional approach to painting watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media is where I know what the composition will be before I begin the painting. It is predictable. However, many times the process begins with loosely pouring or rolling paint onto the paper or a polypropylene sheet (called Yupo), gently manipulating the paint to blend colors and making interesting textures, allowing the paint to dry, and developing the composition based on what the first layer suggests. This process allows me to combine imagined or suggested flora, fauna, insects, animals, and figures. Sometimes pieces begun with the pour method hang in my studio for weeks or months before they “speak” for development of the composition.
This approach to making art provides wonderful opportunities for happy accidents, flexibility to adjust the composition, and intrigue in the work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Until I retired about ten years ago, the struggle was accessing time and space to create. Although I still sometimes have “dry spells” where motivation and inspiration are just not active, I have the liberty to take workshops (in person and online) and sharing the creative journey with art friends. Access to technology has made a huge impact on my work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I feel especially fortunate to have been able to study with renouned and accomplished instructors. These experiences have given me a chance to learn many different techniques and incorporate them into my work. Along with techniques, these experiences have helped me hone compositional skills. The development of my own style has come from learning to use color, values, composition, and techniques. I think I’m most known for my love of color. I am actively involved in several art organizations and have been able to provide administrative support to help them continue in serving the arts community. I am most proud of the friendships developed through getting to know and work with other artists.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is freedom to play. My best friend next door and I lived in a community where we could literally play in the streets. We skated, biked, played ball, walked to school and independently-owned stores for cokes and treats.
My art journey was formed with arts and crafts projects way back in grammar school and Girl Scouts. I had an excellent arts program at my high school. I began painting as an adult because a neighbor taught watercolor painting at a local art store.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reneaart.com/
