Artist's Statement

My Chinese brush paintings rely upon the use of traditional implements: ink stick, inkstone, oriental pigments and Zhuan paper. My painting has been influenced by a long history of art interests which include the study of Western water colorists, pop art and collage. This eclectic background has exerted a powerful influence on my current pursuit of Chinese brush painting.

There is an excitement to innovate and experiment with ancient techniques to produce modern themes alongside more traditional subjects. I have taken to heart the words of Lu Xun, who urged in 1982: "I entreat fresh visions from painters. Be lavish with your vermillion to portray mountains in the Spring'.

The words of Wu Zuoren, in his book "Contemporary Chinese Painting" encourages experimentation as he points out that "Chinese painting has always absorbed aspects of other forms of art. The modern painter searches for poetic beauty and rhythm beyond the pictorial images in their work and how they explore new ways of giving form to the beauty of their concepts."

Living in Asia for 15 years allowed me the opportunity to be encouraged by native Chinese painters. The world re-knowned Taiwanese artist and poet, Lo Ching-che stimulated an interest in developing skill in calligraphy which has added sophistication to my painting.

Mingdao University.

Calligraphy class: Mingdao University, the Republic of China

 

  The Mingdao University Art Gallery.

displaying Renee's Chinese brush stroke paintings-2009.

  Renee in class with her teacher, Master Chen Shi-Jin,  The Nanyang Academy of Fine Art ,  Singapore.

 NB. Artist's Biography

Renee Margaret Vickery was born in the UK. She was introduced to art in her childhood and later attended  a course in Art and Design at Chorley College, University of Lancaster. Following graduation, Renee taught in schools and was asked to become a CSE Art Assessor/Examiner.

Many years later, while living in Singapore, Renee was fortunate to study Chinese brush painting at the Nan Yang Academy of Fine Art. In 2008 she studied Calligraphy at Mingdao University, Chunghua County, Taiwan.  

At present, Renee lives in Florida with her husband, who is a source of constant encouragement.

      Ming Dao university Art Gallery May 2009 in The R.O. C

An Interesting Life

When I left the UK in 1994 to teach in a Malaysian college, I never dreamed that it was the start of many years living in South-East Asia. Wonderful experiences followed from living in a native village long house, listening to Gamalan music and joining in the ritual dancing.

Whilst in Chengdu, Sichuan in the People's Republic of China, teaching in the Sport University, students invited me to jump on the sidebar of their bikes for a lift! At my age!

Following this, I lived in Singapore, where I attended art classes conducted in Mandarin and led by master Chen She Jin together with fourteen other local ladies. I qualified by following the examples of a master.

Whilst living in The Republic of China, I was invited to exhibit my work at the Ting Hsin International Group Gallery and later at The Mingdao University Peetow, Taiwan. Very thrilling experiences.

My first  solo exhibition in the USA July and August  2010, at the Unitarian Universalist Church Gallery, Sarasota, Florida,

 Here , at this exhibition,  Dr.Alfonz Lengyel , of The Fudan Museum Foundation,made a short assessment of my artwork saying,"In your paintings,I noticed that with  your artistc spirit you were able to project and understand the image,not just as  a form, but a reflection of the spirit of the Chinese Art".

The AROHO gallery is featuring two of my Chinese brush paintings  upon its Writers and Artist AROHO website again this year,I am happy to say. 

Shown in The AGORA Gallery USA in July 2010

July 2010. Joined American Sumi-i society,

April 2011 Winner of Long Island Chpt. American Sumi-e award- recognition and monatory prize.much appreciated.

June 2011- Became a member of the N.A. Branch of the International Sumie Society.

Art gallery in The Republic Of China.My first ever exhibition.

  ABOVE. Renee's Chinese brush paintings shown at her second public art exhibition at The Ming dao University Art Gallery, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Exhibition scheduled September and October 2010 at The Com Center,Lakewood Ranch,9040 Town Center Parkway,Lakewood ranch, Florida 342023.. tel. 941 782 1200.

Exhibiting  at LBKAC. Ringling College of Art and design until April 2011.

 Below are two images from a November 2010 Demonstration at The Historical Society of Sarasota .  Two young enthusiasts experimenting  and below the Chinese calligraphy PEACE in the background.

November 2010. Solo exhibition at The Unity Gallery Sarasota.

ART instructor commencing January 2011.. Chinese brush teacher at Longboat Key Art Center, Ringling college of Art and Design, Long Boat key , Florida , USA

October 2011  Employed by ACE of The Sarasota  County Technical  Institute, Beneva rd Sarasota . currently instructing in the art of the Chinese brush

" Beginners" and and "Follow-on classes" .Classes continuing through 2012. enrol now for january sessions.