Muddy Creek Artist: Q & A with Renee Brennan

As part of a monthly series on local artists, Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch has teamed up with the Muddy Creek Artists Guild to focus on the arts scene in the area. The guild currently consists of about 100 local artists in mediums including photography, painting, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork and more. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Muddy Creek Artists Guild website. The guild has two"musts" for their artists: they must live south of the South River, and their art must be original.

This month we interviewed Shady Side oil and acrylic painter Renee Brennan, whose subject matter is inspired by scenes on the Chesapeake Bay. Her images of sailing and buoys and life on the Bay have an ease and serenity built in to each brush stroke. Those brush lines, paired with her bold use of color is striking, like in the painting of a channel marker where the bright orange letter "six" is framed in a triangle juxtaposed with the cool blues and greens of an osprey's nest, the pole, and the skyline.

How long have you been an artist working in the medium: On and off for about 20 years, the last three years frequently.

What was your earliest recognition of your talent/skill: I first remember making art when I was about three years old. There is a photo of me that my mom took making valentine cutouts with doilies.  I remember the glitter and glue and the freedom of making it however “I” wanted.

Another time was in the first grade with Mrs. Price.  We were drawing portraits of each other and somehow I ended up being the model for the whole class.  I posed as a ballerina, but what I really remember was that I didn’t like being the model.  I really wanted to be the kid drawing the model.  I’m sure that happened at some point because later that year while the other kids made their contributions of snowflakes, she had me stay after school to draw a huge Santa’s sleigh with all 8 reindeer to fill this very large bulletin board.  Needless to say I was thinking “gee I must be an artist”  to be the one chosen of all the kids.  From then on I always wanted to “BE” an artist when I grew up!

How did you get started: I went to college for commercial art and ended up doing visual merchandising for a large department store chain.  The best part was being on a team of creative people along with creating the props and backdrops to the displays.  Later on while living in San Diego, my friend and I started a business creating giftware for local gift shops.

Who inspires you: Well growing up it would my grandmothers—both of whom were oil painters and have always admired their work.  Now as an adult it is my fellow artist friends and various professional artist‘s who I attend their workshops or classes. 

How do you approach a new piece: Almost always it is something that I can connect with.  For instance when my husband and I go sailing I take my camera and shoot things that are interesting to me, then I work that onto the canvas. Sometimes I paint loose and colorful, other times I strive for realism.  It’s a mood thing as well.

What is the range in price for your work: Between $80 and $1,200.

Why do you do what you do: Putting something that inspired me onto a canvas is gratifying even if the end result isn’t what is planned.

Is there anything about this area that you regularly incorporate into your work: Yes definitely! Living near the Chesapeake Bay has had a huge impact. Most of my pieces reflect life and activities on the Bay.  I love it here, there is so much more to paint!

If you could be another artist for a day, who would it be and why: Maybe someone mathematical such as M.C. Escher.  My brain doesn’t work like his at all and it would be incredible to see how that would be.

What is most rewarding about being an artist: Being able to do something I love to do and when someone gives a sincere comment about a piece, it is very encouraging.

What is most frustrating about being an artist: I wish mornings could be longer, that is my favorite time of day to paint.

Check out Renee's painting blog, a visual diary of her work, here.