Renee Kelleher

“I have always been fascinated by the play of light and shadow, as well as by the ever-changing atmospheric light. Often, I am excited by the light path on something familiar. It’s as if I am seeing it for the first time, and I am inspired to capture the moment with my paintbrush. If my viewers are able to experience that moment in my paintings, I feel that I have successfully expressed myself.”

Renee began her formal art education in 1966 when her art talent was recognized by her Piemont High School art teacher, and she was selected to attend the California College of Arts and Crafts. She furthered her art education while attending the University of Puget Sound. After being a stay-at-home mom, she got back into the art scene by way of Santa Barbara Adult Education classes and workshops with professional artists such as Marilyn Simandle, Mary deLoyd Arendt, and Ellie Freudenstein.

Renee and her husband Mick lived in Santa Barbara for 25 years and have spent the last 11 years in Santa Ynez Valley. Renee is an enthusiastic painter of her beautiful surroundings in the wine country. She paints in watercolors and oils and is influenced and inspired by such masters as Monet, Sargent, and Schmidt.

Renee has exhibited in many venues such as the Faulkner Gallery, the Fielding Institute, Cabrillo Arts Center, the Meisel Gallery, and Gallery 113. She is a member of the SB Art Association and the Brushmarks Critique and Pa inting Group.

Her recent oils and watercolors can be viewed at Waterhouse Gallery in SB and at the Pine Trader Antiques and Gallery in Los Olivos. Or visit Renee in her studio at les Oliviers, the Solvang ranch she shares with her husband and pets.