Artist of the Month - Rena Shear
I started painting after our daughter was born. In the late 80"s, I began taking watercolor classes with Marjorie Glick at DeCordova Museum School, and continued with her for at least 10 years. Next on my list were monoprint classes with Emily Myerow for 2 or more years. During my time at DeCordova, the following subjects were also on my agenda: drawing, photography, handmade decorative books, ceramics, and pastels. Acrylics appealed to me because of being able to paint in layers, unlike watercolor. Elizabeth DaCosta Ahern, a well known teacher of this medium, offered classes that began at DeCordova. When painting classes were discontinued, our class of devoted students found a place in Lincoln to continue working with Elizabeth, until her passing in 2020. Abstraction is my preference. Nature is my main inspiration, but there are definitely occasions where my work calls for emotional expression. During Covid, I signed up for classes in Intuitive Composition, which has become a turning point in my process and style.
What is Art for you?
Art is an expression of how the artist sees and feels about their inner and outer world. The tools and materials that best express what I need to say are what I choose to work with.
Inscription
What are you currently working on?
In October of 2024, the Bolton Public Library exhibited my solo show, which I was very happy with!! Coming in March/April at TCAN (The Center For Arts) in Natick, there will be another solo exhibit. There will be some large pieces that I will be working on (30 x 40, 36" sq.) as well as some smaller sizes.
Adaptation
What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
My creative life was apparent at an early age, yet my parents preferred "something practical" to study. In college, many of those subjects, became part of my plan, but it was like trying to mix oil and water. Even some of the art and design classes, were not the right match for me. My love of color combined with the look of watercolor paint was the beginning of my genuine entrance into the world of art.
Rock, Paper, No Scissors
Where do you find your inspiration?
Sometimes I find inspiration in music, poetry, emotion, but always in nature.
What is your creative process?
Ideally, beginning with meditation helps me to focus and quiet my mind. There isn't always the luxury of time to begin this way, so playing with my materials and getting ideas from groups of colors, or textures previously created give me a jumping off point. Charcoal really appeals to me, so that's always a good way to begin.
Seasonal Farewell
Did your style change over the years? In which way?
To understand how to use my materials, a realistic perspective was used early on. and changed to abstraction over 25 years ago.
Storyteller
What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
The most challenging part about creating a painting is knowing when it is finished.