Renee Switkes

Artist Statement

I paint floral portraits that often symbolize resilience, devotion, gratitude, and joy. I draw inspiration from gardens and personal memories. My compositions often blend realism and abstraction, highlighting the beauty of blooms through luminous colors.

In a time when constant news can overwhelm and leave us feeling helpless, I find comfort and renewal in the beauty of nature. Observing a flower’s color, shape, or how the sunlight dances across its petals helps me stay grounded and focus on what I can control.

My creative process begins with a connection to a particular bloom I discover during a walk or visit to a garden. I am attracted to the play of light and shadow, so when the sun shines on a flower that catches my eye, I pause and take several photos for future reference. When starting a new painting, I scroll through my archives until one image resonates with me and inspires me to paint, often aligning with the emotion I want to express. I invite viewers to pause, breathe, and reconnect, offering gentle moments of calm, presence, and reflection.