ENTER THE WORLD OF PEYREGNE ART
A Modern Artist
ABOUT ME:
Somewhere around 2009 I picked up a pencil and was looking at an engineer’s drawing of a BELL 209 helicopter; I began to draw what I was looking at, and amazingly, I drew what I saw. I did not know I could. It was an epiphany. I find that my talent lies in being able to analyze a raw drawing or a sketch geometrically (I think that would be the correct word?); and match it to the corresponding parts to replicate it free hand.
I do extremely well, replicating caricatures, and cartoons; those are very easy to do, and I can make them larger or smaller, based on my starting point. I have a difficult time doing things that are exact though, like faces, eyes, where they have to be the same on each side. I am better with things that I can put a spin on.
So, starting in 2009, I filled many sketch books with drawings, sketches, doodles, etc. Anything I could look at. I began putting my own spin on the drawings, ranging out from what I was actually seeing, adding, detracting, making them my own, but I realized that I always needed a base drawing to start from.
Around 2010, I went to a Wine and Paint class, I enjoyed the new medium. Having “the color” was quite different. I started to go regularly, but found it was becoming a little expensive. So, I began to purchase base color acrylic paints and brushes, with the money that I would be spending at the Wine and Paint classes; next was canvases. Thus, my painting was born.
Initially, I started with YouTube, and moved on to Pinterest, and Websites of artist that I particularly enjoy, and I taught myself different aspects of their techniques. Brushes, knives, sponges, heavy body acrylics, medium body acrylics, gesso, etc. It was all a brand-new world and I LOVED it. And it seemed to love me.
I began by purchasing everything new, but found that to be costly. I am a thrifter, I admit it; so, I began to find, lonely, and lost framed canvas’ at estate sales, goodwill, thrift shops, etc. Now, I upcycle canvases from old prints, old paintings, and other works, and frames; so that I can pass on the savings to those that would like to enjoy my paintings in their homes.
I began selling my art when everyone I knew to give them away too, had already gotten a piece; so, I was building a stock pile; and it had to go somewhere. My husband supported me in starting to do Art festivals and fairs. To show and sell my pieces.
My art, though a love to do, I am not “attached” to my pieces, and many artists are. It is almost like a conversation. I am having a conversation with the canvas’ and when the conversation is over, it needs to go converse with someone else. It is old news, I have moved on to the next conversation. That may sound crass, it is not, just how I feel.
My painting is therapeutic, and I paint, everything is poured out of me onto the canvas’. And a little piece of me goes out into the world. It is quite refreshing. I do not want it to sit staring at me, that is a little creepy, me staring at me?
My husband honored me with my own little backyard studio space about 2 years ago, a “she-shed” of sorts. Because I had taken over the whole kitchen area with paint and supplies. So now I have my own place where I spend my weekends communing with my paints and canvas’.
During the week I am a Director of HR/Finance, and I love my job, the people I work with and around, and the company I work for. I have great balance and serenity in my life and environment. I hope that you see that in my paintings.
If you have any questions, or if you want any more information on how I started, or how you can start you own art studio. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me. My contact information is on my main page. And please go to my facebook page, there is a link on my mainpage as well; and “Like”.
Thanks for showing interest in Local Artists!!
Renee Peyregne
Peyregne Art