Artist Spotlight: René Hein

Marvelous Night for a Moondance” by René Hein, oil on canvas, 30×30.

ON THIS PIECE:

This piece started with the dress, then thinking about where one would go wearing such a beautiful dress and who should accompany them. The moon flower background evokes a magical warm night. The title, ‘Marvelous Night for a Moondance,’ is from the Van Morrison song.”

ARTIST BIO:

René Hein is an artist living and working in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is originally from Wisconsin where she received her bachelor’s degree in fine art at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She received her master’s degree in fine art at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She has worked as a museum curator and graphic designer while exhibiting her work in local, regional and national exhibitions. Her work is included in public and private collections in the U.S. and abroad.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

“My recent work incorporates elements from my previous painting styles, my work as a graphic designer and an interest in art history. At one time I painted abstract and semi-abstract work with an emphasis on form and texture. At the same time, like a lot of artists, I painted pet portraits. During this time I worked as a graphic designer with an emphasis on typography. These paintings combine typography, pattern and texture with strong definition of form and spatial effects, which blurs the boundaries between graphic art, craft and fine art.

“My technique is an updated version of the Flemish School’s layered approach to painting. I begin with a graphite sketch, followed by layers using water-based paints creating mid-tones, shadow and texture. The final layers are oil paint beginning with umbers and ochres, then color and finishing with details and highlights.

“Beyond technique and formal elements, these paintings are about the things people have in common. I’ve found that regardless of how much I might disagree with someone about more divisive issues, we share love for animals, music, nature, etc. I hope my artwork embodies one of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou: ‘We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.'”

See more of Hein’s work locally at Cantrell Gallery, online at reneheinart.com and saatchiart.com/rlhein and on Instagram as @reneheinart.

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