50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield: Renee Manford

Creating fantasies of the natural world

Renee Manford's art is a reflection of the reality and fantasy she sees in nature. Her images are visceral and sensual, inviting the viewer to experience the beauty and peacefulness found in the natural world.

Renee works with various media but her greatest interest is in creating art using the monotype process. Monotypes are a single print of an image painted on plexiglass or a piece of prepared flat surface. The image is rolled through a press to transfer it to acid-free print paper. Often, Renee creates multimedia/monotypes which involves adding oil paint, pen, or watercolor media over the top of a monotype.

A turn of events in her life seven years ago led Renee into her work as a fine artist. Today, she says creating art has "become the air I breathe, the water I drink, and the food I eat. My art has become a necessity for leading a full, healthy, fulfilled life."

Renee Manford's love of art and passion for life is fully expressed in the monotypes and other paintings she creates.

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I've always loved art and I recall my dad praising me for my art in grade school. But I really got started seven years ago when I got a taste for creating fine art while I studied graphic design at LCC."

Important Mentors: "My teachers at LCC were wonderful mentors -- especially Adam Grosowsky, Craig Spilman, and Lynn Wiley. Among the masters, my favorites are Vermeer and Turner. My all-time favorite artist is John Singer Sargent."

Value of Art in Her Life: "I love creating art and feel fortunate to be an artist. As a speaker at my daughter's graduation said, 'If you can find a job you absolutely love, you don't have to work a day in your life.' That's how I feel about my art. I can stay active and never have to retire!"

Her Artist's Legacy: "I want people to see the beauty in the world and find a 'resting place' in my art where they can be at peace. For my family and friends, I want them to see in the art I've created how much I loved the natural world around me."

For more information about Renee Manford and to see additional images of her art, visit Renee's website: www.reneemanford.com

To display a larger image of the art on your computer, please click on the photo.

"Broken Fences" by Renee Manford

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Watson, Saskatchewan

Arts Education: Lane Community College (Graphic Design); fine arts classes

Media of Choice: Loves to explore all media

Favorite Place to Do Art: Outside in the "plein air"

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Landscapes and people

Arts Organizations: Works part-time at the Karin Clarke Gallery

Gallery Shows: Accepted for 2009-2010 season at the Jacobs Gallery

Website: www.reneemanford.com

Blog Postings: Renee Manford; Travels with the Muse

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All art images and photographs of the art are copyright by the artist.