Conversations with Renee Decator

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Decator.

Hi Renee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida and have loved making art since I was a child. I filled many sketchbooks with drawings that made people smile or laugh… caricatures of my schoolmates, horses, other animals and lots of fashionable girls, lol. I was shy and art was a great shield. I had several art teachers through the years that noticed my big imagination and creativity and encouraged me with extra supplies and instruction. Fast forward to my mid-thirties, married, working and raising two children. My sister convinced me to sign up for drawing classes at a wonderful independent art school, Art Quest School of Art and Design, in Daytona Beach, and after a few sessions I was hooked! Art is so important in life, and art-making changed the way I saw and reacted to everything in my world. My passion was ignited!

Several years later, my family and I moved south to Brevard County west of Orlando, and I wanted to share the method of art instruction that I had learned, so I began teaching painting. I continued to take classes and got involved with the local art scene, which was a wonderful way to push myself to take my real-life work skills and apply them in the artworld. I was part of an art co-op gallery, organized large juried exhibitions with a local art group and found creative ways to use art and artists to both make a positive impact on my community and introduce fine art to people who may not seek out art at museums or galleries.

I’ve been a part of Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in the Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne for 15 years. It is one of the oldest galleries in Central Florida, established in 1974. We are a co-op of around 15-17 members, working together to promote our collective artworks to the public.

I feel so blessed that art is such a large part of my life, and I want to share it and use it as a vehicle to do good things for people. I’ve chaired some really wonderful exhibits over the years, bringing art and artists together to be bring a positive impact to some non-profit groups here in Brevard and beyond. We have sold paintings of farm animals to raise funds to buy actual farm animals for a village in Africa. Other shows raised funds for returning veterans who had substantial injuries, along with several groups that care for abused women and children and an organization that brings art to children with special needs. Through all these “adventures” I’ve learned to never say “no” out of fear… but to trust that with a positive attitude and BIG imagination, you can accomplish big things. My faith in God has been the driving force in my life. There is always a good outcome when I am open to opportunities to use my art and experiences for the good of others.

I have a large studio in Historic Downtown Melbourne, Florida and continue to enjoy teaching and have transitioned from just paint to mixed-media, which allows me to combine lots of materials and techniques to express myself. I love taking something discarded… old letters, pictures or fabric and bring new life to them in a piece of art. My studio is my “happy place” where I can try new things and allow my creativity the space to explore… be brave and enjoy the process of art-making. It never gets old.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Balance is always the struggle. At the start of my art education, I was working and raising a family. I would get my boys to bed and set up my paints at the kitchen table and work till late night. I still have to regularly prioritize between making art, marketing my art, working within the art co-op and all the other hats we artists and women wear. It can be crazy and frustrating. I want to be at my studio everyday, but that doesn’t always happen. So I try and make time to get my hands and studio messy. It often looks like an explosion of materials… when I am spending too much time looking for the perfect item for my artwork, I clean up and start all over.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My art education was invaluable… it was an atelier style, where the students learn techniques and use of materials by observing and painting under the direction of the master artist. It focused on realism through oil paints. After years of working in this medium and style, I realized that I wanted to share more of my imagination and that led to much more vibrant and playful art. I love the freedom to try new ways to express the beauty of everyday life. I see art-making as creative problem-solving. It is never boring and it can brighten people’s everyday life, that is exciting.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I have learned to love the process and excitement of a project or a new piece of art. That keeps me growing and learning. It’s never good to know the exact outcome… you might miss out on a new twist, direction or opportunity. Being open to exploration keeps my work fresh and allows me to share my excitement to my viewers and patrons.

Pricing:

• Original art ranges from $100 to $3000

Contact Info:

• Email: decatjr@gmail.com
• Website: https://reneedecator.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneepaints/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdecatorart

Image Credits
DANA NIEMEIER PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC