Renée Switkes

I find joy in bringing happiness to others and in emphasizing the importance of slowing down. For me, nature and flowers play a significant role in achieving this balance. Observing each petal individually allows me to appreciate every curve and fold as I paint. 

 

​In a time when constant news can overwhelm and cause us to feel helpless, I find comfort and renewal in the beauty of nature. Observing a flower’s color, shape, and how the sunlight dances across its petals helps me stay grounded and focus on what I can control.​​

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My creative journey begins with an attraction to a particular bloom. The play of light and shadow attracts me, so when the sun shines on a flower in a way that catches my eye, I pause to take several photographs for later reference. When starting a new painting, I scroll through my archives until one image speaks to me and inspires me to paint, often aligning with the emotion I wish to express. I create these flower portraits to invite viewers to pause, breathe, and reconnect, offering gentle moments of calm, presence, and reflection.​