Artist Renee Calhoun Matthews
Renee Calhoun Matthews
Born in North Carolina into a family with a passion for art, it was not until later in life when Renee Calhoun Matthews surrendered to her own desire to paint. The need to maintain a connection with her late father was the inspiration for her to pursue a career in art.
Together with her sister, Shirley Calhoun Williams they continue their studies at Gaston College. So far Renee has studied under Gary Freeman, Jim Biggers, Paula Smith, Jason Story and Nancy Nieves.
Renee’s works reflect various subject matter including still life, landscapes and portraits. The body of work, encompass Realism, Impressionism, with a hint of Surrealism. Her media of choice is traditional oils; however, she also paints with acrylic and watercolor.
Most recently she is experimenting with three-dimensional form. Her work has exhibited in galleries in the Carolina region. Through juried exhibitions, Renee has been acknowledged by numerous merit awards. Her works can be found in public and private collections, including four pieces in the permanent collection at Gaston College.
In 2004 Gaston College published one of Renee’s oil paintings (Gaston Campus with Clock Tower), on the front cover of The Presidents Report. Renee is available for commissioned work.
Artist that influenced Renee are Jean-Leon Gerome, Rene Magritte, Claude Monet and Elisabeth-Louise Vigee-Leburn. The most influential was her father, Ira Earl Calhoun. The tradition of art has been passed down through four generations. Carrying on the legacy are her daughters, Amy and Jessica Newman , and grandson, Jakob Quinn Ryley.
