Finding Beauty in Art

I began working with art over 20 years ago, to explore my experience, changing from working in New Zealand, to becoming a new mother. I knew I needed a creative outlet, while staying based at home, and art provided the freedom of expression that I craved. 

While playing the role of Gabrielle, in Xena: Warrior Princess from 1996-2001, I observed six years of our guest directors' approach to capturing the narrative. We filmed the television series on Kodak's 35 mm film cameras ("where every frame counts") and the importance of the use of light, and composition, was drilled into my brain.

During the pandemic in 2020, I studied the use of encaustic mediums and India ink to produce original and commissioned paintings. This fresh approach, during the overwhelming chaos in the world and politics, gave new life to my art. I am now a dedicated painter, specifically working with encaustic mediums, and I am fortunate to sell my paintings to fund my independent projects, especially raising money for The House of Bards Theatre Company. 

I hope my you find my artwork intriguing, and perhaps inspiring.

You can follow me on social media @renee_oconnor_art

- Renee