Rene O’Connor
Spring Breakup, 2022, acrylic on canvas
About the Artist:
Rene O’Connor is a self-taught artist who was born and raised in Toronto. For several years, Rene was co-owner of Fly-the-Wing Gallery in the Toronto Beaches. During her time living in the city, the focus of her work concentrated largely on romantic street scenes of Toronto’s downtown core. Allen Gardens, the Flat Iron Building, and the Old City Hall were iconic subjects in Rene’s OLD TORONTO series.
Rene’s move to Peterborough County in 1985 prompted her work to shift in subject from urban to rural, reflecting the weighty power of nature in line, shadow, and colour. Her COTTAGE LIVING series explores the disappearing heritage of rural Ontario. Images of sun-bathed cottages, water lilies, birch trees, and vast open skies became her trademark. Rene’s work is inspired by travel, but her heart is in the Kawarthas and this is reflected in her passionate pursuit daily.
Studio: Rene O’Connor in her studio
