Exhibit Dates: October 23, 2024 – February 8, 2025
Artist: Renee Donley
Location: Bank of Springfield, 1111 Maine St. Quincy, IL.

Closing Reception on Friday, February 7, 2025, 5 – 6:30pm with an artist talk at 5:30.

Renee Donley, a resident of Sutter, Illinois, began her artistic journey in the fifth grade when she won an art contest. Throughout high school and college, she focused on drawing, honing her skills and deepening her passion for art. After college, Renee married and paused her artistic pursuits to raise a family.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting time spent at home provided Renee with the opportunity to rekindle her love for art. She now enjoys working with watercolors, acrylics, and colored pencils. Initially concentrating on floral subjects, her portfolio has since expanded to include a wide range of themes, along with occasional commissioned pieces.

Renee finds immense joy and fulfillment in creating art, particularly when witnessing the reactions of new owners of her work. Grateful for her artistic journey and the opportunities it has brought, she continues to embrace and celebrate her passion for art. Her work has been exhibited at the Keokuk Art Center’s Round Room Gallery and the Hannibal Arts Council’s satellite gallery within the Hannibal Clinic.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artwork is sometimes a combination of two different media.  I like the effect of color contrast and texture that the combinations create. 

The late Ms. JoEllen Young was my art teacher for eight years at Warsaw grade and high school. One of the lessons I learned from her was to go darker with my sketching pencil.  She was looking for color contrast in my art that I love so much today.  I use hot glue to draw the picture on canvas and layer it with acrylic paint. This brings out texture.  I also paint with watercolors and highlight the areas with colored pencils or a charcoal pencil. This gives definition so the outline is clearly seen.

Each piece of art is hand painted making each piece uniquely different. There are no prints.   I want to create art that moves people in a way that causes them to say,” I have to have that!”  If it has touched their heart, then I have accomplished what I have set out to do. 

I love the experience of working with different media.  It is fulfilling, satisfying, and rewarding.  It keeps me going and I look forward to creating the next piece.   

My artwork is found in nature with the media of watercolors, colored pencils, chalk and acrylic paint.  

Google Renee Donley Art to find articles and photos.

I have been featured in The Quincy Herald-Whig, Muddy River News, and The Daily Gate City.