It is Keizer Art Association's privilege and distinct pleasure to recognize Renee Rushton as our Artist of the month. Renee is an accomplished and recognized artist who enjoys creating art using collage, watercolor and more.

Artist's Statement

I always loved to draw but didn't have an opportunity for any art instruction until I took a drawing class in college. I quickly became discouraged as I compared my ability with that of my classmates. Later I tried again, auditing an oil painting class. I enjoyed painting and felt I had some ability but continued to feel discouraged and gave up.

Ten years later (1961) a friend took an oil painting class and encouraged me to join. Looking at her work, I thought, "I can paint at least that well or maybe better." So, I signed up. By this time, I was a wife and mother of two small children, so my time to paint was limited to once a week when I took my children to a babysitter and spent the morning painting.

With the helpful instruction and encouragement, I felt happy with the results. I looked forward to the time when my children were older, and I could paint at home. But when that time came, I didn't seem to have the need, drive or desire to paint and with a few exceptions the years passed, and I did no more artwork.

Time passed; the year was 2014, I was an 84-year-old widow with time on my hands. I decided to paint again. Painting became my passion. I wasn't concerned with the approval of others and painted because there were feelings inside of me demanding to be expressed.

I joined KAA and started painting each Friday at the open studio. I experimented with different mediums; acrylic, watercolor and colored pencil. I entered KAA monthly art shows and was pleased to receive a couple of ribbons. The 2020 pandemic ended my open studio sessions but when the weather permitted, I painted on my patio.

Now I'm 94 years old and have difficulty walking. Painting in the open studio isn't an option. Transporting my painting supplies to the patio is too tiring, so I have found another artistic medium: COLLAGE. I now sit in my recliner and cut and paste paper. I use paper I have colored myself, paper from calendars, magazines, envelopes or other sources. I use tissue paper and bleeding tissue paper. I find collage is an interesting and 'clean' way to satisfy my artistic urges.

I am honored that KAA has asked me to be Artist of the Month for November. I am grateful to God who has given me a love of beauty, a desire to create, and the energy to continue learning and trying new things..

You can see Renee's's art in the KAA Gallery throughout the month of November