Lynette Redner- September 2025

How and where did your art practice begin?

Throughout my life, from as long as I can remember. During my tenure as a traveling nurse, I acquired a watercolor set in San Francisco, which sparked an ongoing commitment to filling travel journals with watercolors. In 2017, I began participating in intensive studies and workshops to further develop my skills. Subsequently, I started exhibiting at art fairs and plein air events. In 2023, I opened a studio in Whitewater, providing increased space to create, welcome visitors, and offering one-on-one instruction to students.

Where do you draw inspiration for your forms/designs?

My inspiration primarily stems from the rural environment in which I reside, with the surrounding landscape greatly influencing my artwork. Having been raised on a farm, I possess a deep appreciation for farming, animals and nature. Often, a specific scene or animal captures my interest, prompting me to depict that

moment within my paintings.

What draws you to your specific/preferred medium?

I work in watercolor, (sometimes some gouache), acrylics and water-mixable oils. Water-mixable oils offer a range of textures without toxic solvents, and I find oil easier for plein-air painting, while watercolors are ideal for travel and quick sketches. So, I love both oil and watercolor; please don’t make me pick one! Watercolor, I love the transparency and the unexpected blending of colors on the paper, it is like having a partner painting with me. Sometimes we don’t always agree…lol. The selection of medium is determined by the intended style and

outcome, as well as the specific preferences of clients for commissioned work. I tend to watercolor in my home studio in the evening, and paint in oils at the Whitewater studio. I always pack watercolors and ink pens to fill my travel journals on road trips.

Who were your mentors or what resources did you use to learn your medium? 

Having a sister who is an artist (LuAnn Widergren: luannwidergren.com) has provided many opportunities for collaboration. We frequently paint together on the Wisconsin River and in Florida, participate in plein air events, and attend workshops, all of which contribute to our artistic development. These activities have facilitated connections with other artists, led to a mentorship with master oil painter Joe Paquet, and enabled attendance at several of his workshops. Additional progress has been made through professional workshops with nationally recognized artists. Friendships have formed through plein air sessions and workshops, which also provide valuable critiques anddiscussions about art. Skill improvement continues using art books, instructional videos, and consistent hands-on painting.

What challenges does your medium or process present, and how do you adjust?

Transitioning into oil painting from watercolor proved challenging due to slow drying, transporting wet works, and surface scratches, especially during plein air events when drying time is limited. Health concerns led me to water-miscible oils (WMO). The initial brand of water-mixable oil paints I used had a sticky consistency. Later, I became acquainted with Royal Talens Cobra paints at a workshop. I continue to refine my technique and experiment with other brands that offer colors not available in the Cobra colors. The fact is I can make an oil painting look almost like a watercolor or make it like an oil painting. If I'm aiming for an oil painting style, the difference between WMO and traditional oil is not discernible. When restoring older oil paintings, I am unable to determine the specific type of oil that was originally used. A

Upcoming Events, Sales, and Purchase Locations

My artwork is available at approximately five shops across lower Wisconsin, as well as at Art Hub. I also do art fairs, mostly in the summer. Additionally, you may purchase pieces through my website, RednerArt.com, which is regularly updated and provides information about classes, art fairs, and plein air events. Come see me on November 8 & 9 th at the indoor show called Off the Square at the Monona Terrace, Madison, Wisconsin.

How does being involved with a community art space like Art Hub impact your art

practice/business or ability to celebrate and network amongst other artists? 

I am acquainted with many of the artists who display their work at the Hub. In my view, it is essential for artists to engage with their peers to foster growth and avoid stagnation. The Art Hub effectively supports this network, particularly through its plein air event. Receiving notification that one of my paintings has “found a new home’ is highly reward

ng. I consider the customer to be an integral part of the circle of art creation. Places like the Art Hub help facilitate that.