Artist Spotlight Series: Renee Bouchon
This is an overdue introduction to an a southern talent that I have long followed and have been a fan.
She exudes that “je ne sais quoi” that is sure to continue to get her noticed in the art world.
Enjoy getting to know
Atlanta, GA
What is your training?
I started painting professionally in 2007 as a secondary creative outlet from my current, fast-paced job in advertising (before I went full time with art). As much as I loved the ad world, painting always seemed to be an escape for me. I’ve taken numerous art classes and courses throughout the years with 2 of my favorites being at Loyola in New Orleans and at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center right here in Atlanta. At the end of the day, for me, painting day in and day out for the past 14+ years and experimenting to see what works, where my brain takes me to and how I think about color and composition has really helped define who I am as an artist today.
What inspires you and your designs?
Oh man. I pull inspiration from everywhere! Truly. I’m very inspired by the 1940’s art scene in NYC where so many of the abstract expressionist painters I admire today came out of. If I had the chance to transport myself back to that time to the artsy lower east side where Helen (Frankenthaler),
Joan (Mitchell), William (Kooning) galavanted around the bustling streets…oh boy! I’m also inspired by how color evolves on canvas or paper and the process of layering and building and uncovering and re-covering. It’s an intricate dance and sometimes a very frustrating one but once you get there…it’s all worth it.
What is your favorite piece?
Don’t make me do it! Ha. So hard. I have a soft spot for this 60” x 60” that debuted at HPMKT this past year for Pearson’s new furniture line designed by the lovely Kim Scordro. I was lucky enough to have been asked to commission all of the art for the showroom.
How has your area influenced your work?
The south, Atlanta specifically, is such a vibrant area of the country and has so many amazing artisans, musicians, designers etc…. You don’t have to look far to glean inspiration. It’s everywhere.
What is your favorite restaurant in Atlanta?
Don’t know if I can pick one…Kimball House,
What is your favorite cocktail?
How do you balance personal life and work?
Is there really ever a balance? To this day, this is my biggest struggle. As an artist your brain is ALWAYS going, always taking it in, and always imagining how to bring what you are seeing in a particular moment to life on paper or canvas. I’ll get back to you on this one…someday! (hope my husband doesn’t read this).
Dream trip?
India or Morocco. The colors, the spices, the textiles…oh boy!
Dream commission?
Oh boy there are so many…Kelly Werstler, Veere Greenery, Suzanne Kasler.
Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?
Jo Malone Candle or fresh flowers.
Who is your style icon?
Sienna Miller.
Your favorite up and coming artist?
Hardly up and coming but Wayne Pate. Can’t get enough.
What is your most treasured possession?
My great grandmaw’s engagement ring that my parents gave me on my wedding day. It’s Art Deco and fabulous. It has so many stories behind it as it was worn by a woman who lived a hard-working, humble, and amazing life.
What are you reading?
What are you listening to?
I love it all! Seriously. Lately my playlists have been filled with Leon Bridges, Valerie June, Ray Charles…I’m in a bit of an “old soul” state of mine when it comes to music these days, ha. Oh, and “A Star is Born” soundtrack has been on repeat as well 🙂
What are your favorite blogs / publications?
So, so, so many. A few of my go-to’s…Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Trad Home, House Beautiful, Veranda. I also love finding older issues from the 90’s and early 2000’s at estate sales 🙂
Take a look at Renee’s stunning works, her website and Instagram.
Big News for Renee is that she has a collaboration with Lacefield Design launching this week at Atlanta market.
I cannot wait to check it out!
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