Her father was a pioneer Karakul farmer who spent over 40 years breeding Karakul in Namibia. During her early childhood years all that stretched out before her each day as she played outside the farmhouse - was a vast scorching desert which miraculously transformed into glowing pinks, oranges, mauves and yellows in the evening sunsets which left an indelible mark on her and which are reflected in
her paintings. Renee has been painting for 25 years and although she studied art briefly with Carlo Sdoya many years ago [an Italian artist who owned an Art Gallery in Braamfontein for many years and had a teaching studio in his home in Rooseveld Park], she is largely a self taught artist. It was when she visited Galleries in Portugal, Greece and unforgettably The Prado and Toledo in Spain that she was introduced first hand to some of the most magnificent paintings ever painted by Velazquez and El Greco for the first time. So inspired by the sheer beauty, and unbelievable mastery of these works [which she had only seen before in books] she picked up brushes for the first time and began painting – attempting to copy some of their works and to learn from these Masters. By studying their works and applying some of their techniques which she gleaned from books - she slowly began to hone her skills and develop a style of her own. Aware and ever conscious that there is always much to learn from those who have mastered their craft and whose works have stood the test of time and gained the admiration of generations worldwide – she continues to curiously study and explore their methods and works in order to tap into her own creative world within and to better express herself in her own unique fashion. Not having received formal training – she has extra patience and drive to encourage beginners who like her – wish to start out with little or no knowledge. Her journey has been painstaking at times – and there have been times when she has wanted to throw the towel in but she has persevered. She is willing and eager to help beginners or those who need encouragement, to go on an exciting journey of self–discovery and to tap into the hidden talent which she believes is waiting to be discovered in each one of us. Renee paints in oils and acrylics – and works with both brushes and knives. Large Namibian Landscapes are her passion and a reflection of her deep love and yearning to express and capture the rugged beauty of the isolated land of her birth.
