Renee Kelleher

Renee Kelleher has 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. 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 in1966 when her art talent was recognized by her Piedmont High School art teacher, and she was selected to attend California College of Arts and Crafts. She furthered her art education while attending the University of Puget Sound, where she was personally mentored by artist and instructor F. Carlton Ball. 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, California, for 25 years, and have spent the past 11 years in Santa Ynez Valley. Renee is an enthusiastic painter of her beautiful surroundings in Santa Barbara’s wine country. She paints in watercolors and oils and is influenced and inspired by masters such as Monet, Sargent, and Schmidt.

Renee has exhibited in many SB art venues such as Waterhouse Gallery, the Art Walk at the SB Museum of Natural History, the Cabrillo Arts Center, the Meisel Gallery, the Faulkner Gallery, the Fielding Institute, Gallery 113, and Casa de la Guerra. She has also been represented by the Cody Gallery in Los Olivos and has shown at the Elverhoj Museum in Solvang, Ca. She is a member of the Sant Barbara Art Asociation, Brushmarks Painting and Critique Group, and paints from live models with a SYV group. Her recent oils and watercolors can be viewed at The Pine Trader Antiques and Gallery, 1835 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA. Or visit Renee in her studio at les Oliviers. Call 805-688-0208 for more information.