Rena King
About
Hello and welcome to a glimpse into my artistic journey, a path defined by creativity, leadership, and a profound passion for making art both accessible and impactful. My adventure in the arts, grounded in over 12 years of dedicated drawing and painting, has been significantly shaped by my academic experience at Dartmouth College, where I studied Studio Art. This educational background has enriched my understanding and practice, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to both public and private artistic landscapes.
A defining aspect of my career is my engagement with public art, demonstrated through the completion of six murals in schools and public spaces, including a notable recent piece at the Hilton Hotel in Barbados. These works stand as testaments to my belief in art as a pivotal tool for beautification, inspiration, and community engagement.
Venturing beyond public commissions, I founded my own art business, a venture that highlights my versatility and innovative spirit within the art sector. This allows me to offer unique, custom prints and paintings, catering to a diverse range of preferences and applications.
My art has gained international recognition, with exhibitions in Italy showcasing my ability to connect my vision and Barbados's rich culture with a global audience. This international exposure marks a significant milestone in my career, reflecting both my artistic growth and my capability to engage with a wide range of viewers.
As the Vice President of the Barbados Arts Council, I'm in a pivotal position to advocate for the arts, support the artist community, and help shape the future of Barbadian art. This role complements my personal mission to enhance the cultural landscape through art.
The foundation of my artistic expression is my 12 years of experience in drawing and painting, further enhanced by my studies at Dartmouth. My journey is characterized by a continuous exploration of art's power to transform, educate, and inspire, whether through the stroke of a brush, the spray of an airbrush, or strategic leadership decisions. My path reflects a commitment to sharing the transformative power of art with others, fostering a richer, more vibrant world.
My teaching style is all about infusing joy and vibrancy into the learning process, making every lesson an adventure in creativity! I believe that art should be a celebration of self-expression and imagination, so I strive to create a lively, supportive environment where laughter and learning go hand in hand. With an emphasis on playful exploration and the freedom to experiment, my classes are designed to spark curiosity and encourage students to think outside the box. Whether we’re diving into the whimsical world of watercolors or mastering the bold strokes of acrylics, I ensure each session is filled with engaging activities, creative challenges, and plenty of opportunities for personal growth. Imagine pairing the intricate study of techniques with the exhilarating fun of art games and thematic projects—that’s the essence of my teaching style. By making art education as enjoyable as it is informative, I aim to inspire a lifelong passion for creativity in my students, ensuring they leave each class eager for the next artistic adventure.
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts via Dartmouth College: A formal education providing a foundation in artistic techniques, critical theory, and conceptual development.
Professional Artist: Over 12 years of dedicated experience in drawing and painting, with a diverse portfolio spanning various mediums and themes.
Public Mural Artist: Creator of six significant murals in public spaces and schools, including a notable commission for the Hilton Hotel in Barbados.
Entrepreneur and Founder: Established a successful airbrush business, offering custom airbrushed artworks for a wide array of applications.
International Exhibitor: Displayed artwork in Italy, achieving international recognition and showcasing Barbadian culture on a global stage.
Vice President, Barbados Arts Council: Playing a crucial role in advocacy, support, and strategic planning for the arts community in Barbados.
Public Art Contributor: Engaged in the creation of public art that fosters community engagement, beautification, and inspiration.
Artistic Educator and Mentor: Committed to sharing knowledge and expertise through personal mentorship, community workshops, and online art tutoring.
Collaborator with Educational Institutions**: Partnering with schools to create murals and art programs that enhance educational environments and inspire students.
Drawing Curriculum Outline
Introduction
- Overview of drawing fundamentals.
- Discussion on the importance of observation.
- Introduction to drawing materials (pencils, charcoals, inks).
- Recommended Text: "The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards.
Week 1: Understanding Line and Shape
- Exercises on line quality and types.
- Creating basic shapes and forms.
- Assignment: Still life drawing focusing on line and shape.
- Recommended Text: "Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner" by Claire Watson Garcia.
Week 2: Shading and Texture
- Techniques for creating depth and volume.
- Exploring texture through different mediums.
- Assignment: Textured object study.
- Recommended Text: "Keys to Drawing" by Bert Dodson.
Week 3: Perspective and Composition
- Basics of one-point and two-point perspective.
- Composing a drawing with balance and interest.
- Assignment: Interior or exterior space drawing.
- Recommended Text: "Perspective Made Easy" by Ernest R. Norling.
Week 4: Figure and Gesture Drawing
- Introduction to human anatomy basics.
- Gesture drawing techniques.
- Assignment: Series of gesture drawings.
- Recommended Text: "Figure Drawing for All It's Worth" by Andrew Loomis.
Week 5: Portraiture
- Proportions of the face and head.
- Capturing likeness and expression.
- Assignment: Self-portrait or portrait of a chosen subject.
- Recommended Text: "Drawing Portraits for the Absolute Beginner" by Mark Willenbrink and Mary Willenbrink.
Week 6: Personal Project
- Students will propose a personal drawing project.
- Focus on individual interests and styles.
- Final review and critique session.
Painting Curriculum Outline
Introduction
- Overview of painting fundamentals.
- Discussion on color theory and mixing.
- Introduction to painting materials (acrylics, oils, watercolors).
- Recommended Text: "Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter" by James Gurney.
Week 1: Color and Light
- Exercises on color mixing and creating palettes.
- Understanding light sources and shadows.
- Assignment: Color study using a simple object.
- Recommended Text: "The Art of Color: The Subjective Experience and Objective Rationale of Color" by Johannes Itten.
Week 2: Techniques and Textures
- Exploring different painting techniques.
- Creating texture with various tools and mediums.
- Assignment: Textured landscape or abstract painting.
- Recommended Text: "Acrylic Innovation: Styles and Techniques Featuring 64 Visionary Artists" by Nancy Reyner.
Week 3: Composition and Depth
- Principles of effective composition.
- Techniques for creating depth (layering, glazing).
- Assignment: Still life or landscape painting focusing on composition.
- Recommended Text: "Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice" by Mitchell Albala.
Week 4: Figure and Expression
- Basics of painting the human figure.
- Capturing movement and expression.
- Assignment: Figure painting with emphasis on expression.
- Recommended Text: "Figure Painting in Oil" by David A. Leffel.
Week 5: Portraiture
- Techniques for realistic and expressive portraits.
- Understanding skin tones and facial features.
- Assignment: Portrait of a chosen subject.
- Recommended Text: "Portraits: Painting Expressive Portraits in Oil" by John Howard Sanden.
Week 6: Personal Project
- Students will propose a personal painting project.
- Focus on individual interests and exploration of medium.
- Final review and critique session.
Disclaimer
Both curriculums are designed with flexibility in mind and can be tailored to meet the personal needs and interests of each student. From beginners to more advanced artists, modifications can be made to support your specific artistic journey, ensuring a personalized learning experience. The recommended texts are intended to supplement the curriculum, providing students with additional insights and techniques to enhance their learning.