René Eisenbart’s art-making which started in childhood has developed into a multi-faceted career, including 25 years as artist for The Oregonian where she created weekly botanical illustrations. Hundreds of her paintings have been published in the Homes & Gardens section and the book, “Plant This” by NPR correspondent Ketzel Levine.

Rene’s art — often infused with the human form or quintessential plants and creatures of the Northwest — is rich with symbolic meaning. It is a dance between her intention and the flow of paint. She incorporates texture and patterning and uses unusual color to move the eye through her paintings. In combining acrylic marbling and watercolor — two practices with long traditions — Rene has developed a signature technique. She reinterprets images by weaving layers of marbled patterns with glazes of colorful paint. These interlaced works invite the viewer to construct their own narrative. They are drawing attention and winning awards.

René teaches in her NW Portland home, throughout the region and also leads travel workshops in France, Italy and Hawaii. She encourages each person’s unique artistic expression, creating a safe, supportive environment for growth and experimentation. Read more about her process on her blog.