Renée Switkes

I find joy in bringing others happiness and emphasizing the importance of slowing down. Nature and flowers play a significant role in achieving this balance. Delving into the splendor of flowers brings me immense joy. Observing each petal individually compels me to appreciate every curve and fold as I paint. Through my deliberate painting process, I find a harmonious equilibrium in both my art and life.

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Using flowers' symbolic language, I convey my emotions and share a personal narrative. Describing my style as 'painterly photographic,' I meticulously capture details while employing blending paint strokes. I am captivated by the interplay of light and shadow, often creating a mix of colors to portray the flower's delicate opaqueness and the gentle translucency as light filters through.

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My creative journey commences with visits to gardens to photograph flowers that catch my eye. When starting a new piece, I browse through my collection until a particular flower evokes the emotions my soul wishes to express. I use an acrylic wash to establish the foundational layer, outlining shapes on the canvas. Layer by layer, I paint each area meticulously with small paint mixtures. Subsequently, I refine areas for contrast and enhance the brightness of highlights.

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Ultimately, painting flowers allows me to savor the simple beauty of nature. My desire is for viewers to experience joy and establish deeper connections when they admire my artwork.