We had the good fortune of connecting with Renee Jorgensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renee, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always know that I would be an artist since my early childhood. I made up my mind that there would be no other alternative other than creating some kind of art and as often as possible. Pursuing an artistic career set me on a personal trajectory setting incentives to explore, experiment and refine my skills.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work as a mixed media artist. I have one hand in the fine arts, the other in illustration arts, and find my passion lies in the Medieval art of Illumination and hand lettering. Not long ago I completed a series of 16 illuminated vignettes with lettering for a Cathedral in Denver. I am proud to be the lead artist for the Alley 6 Craft Distillery in Healdsburg, California having created award winning label designs for their products. I am certified as a botanical art and illustrator, an am published in garden guides, sketchbook projects, and am commissioned by individuals for special botanical and nature related portraits.
I am also an instructor certified in the fine art of beautiful cursive and calligraphic writing. I teach with the emphasis to help creatives improve, restore and connect handwriting to their drawing skill, including development of their personal and artistic autograph/signature.
I enjoy meeting new enthusiasts and having the opportunity the share my trials and triumphs regarding learning a new media, or building on an older skill. I have found it to be a pleasure and an education to work with those that are curious and would like to become expressive as an artist Along the way I have learned about the many ways an individual may learn, and the best way possible to guide them to their destinations.
My brand and identity as an artist is in the quality of my work, the story my work expresses. Whether through my storybook illuminations, nature inspired portraits, or teaching calligraphy, I want to leave a visual legacy, and along the way to ignite the same passion in my students, and those that enjoy the visual arts as collectors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a native to Colorado I have many favorites from hiking in the high Rockies, to destinations in the cities throughout the state. My most favored high country hike with amazing views would be located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. For me this blue ribbon hike is to Lake Isabel late spring when the wild flowers are showy, abundant and when small mammals are out, with birds in song along the way. Go early as this is a popular intermediate trail for many to enjoy. I have other favorite Fourteener hikes laced with pristine beaver ponds, views and lakes to enjoy.
In Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens of course, and the many long standing Artists on Santa Fe and Art Galleries strip, and the collections at the Denver Art Museum to name a few!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a forever student of the arts, I have studied with many respected artists through out the years. I am grateful to illustrators across the world that have influenced and guided me in building my technical skills. In inking skills, Rogerio Lupo, Brazilian Natural Science Illustrator, and Lucy Smith, Botanical Art & Illustrator for the Kew Gardens, UK are strong inspiration and have influenced the level of my inking skills. I have studied with and taught along side core instructors for the Denver Botanic Gardens School of Art and Illustration to whom I credit on my on going development as both illustrator and instructor.
I have studied with Master Penman Michael Sull (USA), Master Penman Jake Weidmann (USA), and so many others that the list would fill the pages of this interview.
I love books and would not know where to begin as recommendations. Two books I have nearly worn out and have inspired my work are; Anatomy for the Artist, by Sarah Simblet (UK), and Color & Light: A Guide for the Realistic Painter by James Gurney (USA).

Website: www.ReneeJorgensenArtist.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/reneeLjor

Facebook: Facebook.com/ReneeJorgensenArtist

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