about me

I am a South African born New Zealander, who usually spends 6 months a year living in Lake Hawea (a little village on New Zealand's South Island) and 6 months a year living in a tiny van travelling around Europe. Since 2022 my husband and I have been living in Spain full time.

 

I paint the world around me.

 

 

URBAN SKETCHING & PLEIN AIR PAINTING

One of my absolute joys as an artist is painting outside. I always have a sketchbook and watercolour paints and brushes with me. I even had a teeny-tiny sketching kit with me on a climbing trip to Patagonia. In New Zealand I take a watercolour sketchbook hiking with me and paint the beautiful landscape. In Europe my main interest is capturing the story of our lives and travels, and I paint absolutely everything that tells that story. Each year I fill a big pile of sketchbooks.

 

 

WATERCOLOUR & ABSTRACT LANDSCAPES

I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and travel to many. IMHO! Surrounded by the Southern Alps, deep blue lakes, crystal clear rivers and endless golden fields. Having lived and climbed in this region (Central Otago) for nearly 20 years, the landscape has become part of my soul. In my home studio I paint abstract landscapes and watercolour landscapes that are a reflection of this place I call home. I have a bold use of colour and texture, and I often include symbols and imagery in my paintings that tell a story of the journey through these big landscapes.

 

 

PORTRAITS
Inspired by my desire to support environmental causes I did a series of portraits of Earth Godesses (my Gaia series) in 2017. A portion of the profits from the sale of these paintings goes to support an environmental group.

 

 

WORKSHOPS & TUTORIALS

Over the last 7 years I've had the joy of teaching hundreds of people how to paint in watercolours, giving them the skills to capture their memories in a wonderfully visual way.
Always wanted to learn to paint in watercolours? Join me at one of my art retreats in France or at workshops in beautiful Wanaka, New Zealand. Learn online at your own pace by joining me on Patreon or Renee's Studio . Participate in live online classes with me via Zoom.
I have a Higher Diploma in Education.

 

 

COMMISSIONS

Talk to me if you have something in mind.

 

 

VIEW MY PORTFOLIO
Click here to view a selection of past and present works.

 

 

 

WATCH ME PAINT