Renee Pupetz
Visual Artist
Insta @renex.art
Based in Vancouver, Canada
Education & Early Life
Grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada
Studied at Dalhousie University, completing three years of a Bachelor of Arts program
Inspired by her father’s woodcarvings and her grandfather’s paintings and sculptures
Artistic Journey
Gained early experience in photography and darkroom techniques during her university years, focusing on abandoned buildings and churches in Halifax
Took a break from art to raise her children after moving to Vancouver in 1996
Returned to painting after being diagnosed with a chronic vestibular migraine, finding art to be a healing outlet
Artistic Focus
Works primarily with watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil pastels
Her art centers around themes of nature, with a focus on often-overlooked details in seascapes, forests, and sunsets
Recent Exhibitions & Features
Featured in Visual Art Journal Magazine (Netherlands)
Participated in the online exhibition "The Mind of an Artist", curated by Monic Reyes
Upcoming exhibitions at The Holy Art Gallery in Athens, Greece, and London, England
How did your journey as an artist begin, and what influenced your creative path?
Renee: I grew up surrounded by art and creativity. My father carved animals from wood, and my grandfather painted and sculpted ships. I admired them both deeply. During university, I lived with artists and immersed myself in photography, spending hours in the darkroom. I also enjoyed sketching with charcoal and photographing abandoned buildings in Halifax. After moving to Vancouver, I paused my art practice to raise my children. Two years ago, I began painting again after being diagnosed with a chronic migraine, and art has become my healing space ever since.
How has nature inspired your work?
Renee: Nature is my greatest inspiration. I love capturing the overlooked elements of the natural world, whether it’s a stream, the waves, or the colors of a sunset. I try to find a balance between the motion and stillness in nature. Living near forests, beaches, and mountains provides endless sources of inspiration for my art. Even with familiar subjects like seascapes, I aim to offer a personal twist, ensuring that each piece reflects my unique perspective.
How do you approach new creative ideas or overcome creative blocks?
Renee: When I face a creative block, I make a point to simply start. I set up my easel, begin painting, and allow the process to unfold naturally. Sometimes the hardest part is just beginning, but once I do, the flow eventually comes. I also give myself space to grow by stepping away from art—taking walks in nature, meditating, or rearranging my surroundings. These activities help reset my mind, and new ideas tend to emerge when I least expect them.
What are your preferred mediums, and why do they resonate with you?
Renee: I work with watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil pastels, each offering something unique. Watercolor captures subtle moments, gouache provides rich depth, acrylics allow for bold experimentation, and oil pastels offer a tactile way to explore texture. I enjoy how each medium brings its own challenges and possibilities, helping me express different aspects of my ideas and emotions.
What impact has exhibiting your work internationally had on you?
Renee: It’s been an amazing experience. Being featured in Visual Art Journal Magazine and participating in exhibitions like "The Mind of an Artist" has been incredibly validating. I’m excited about the upcoming shows at The Holy Art Gallery in Athens and London. Sharing my work with a global audience has motivated me to continue growing as an artist and has shown me the power of art to connect with people across borders.
Interview with Renee Pupetz: Finding Healing and Inspiration Through Art and Nature