Page 32 - Sept 2023 Galveston Monthly

OuT & abOuT | arTisT spOTlighT

InSIde The ArTIST’S STudIo

a looK inside The privaTe sTudio of arTisT rené Wiley

by donnA GAble hATch

estled amidst the tranquil landscapes of Hitchcock penned by Russ Ramsey and Makoto fujimura.
in Galveston County, award-winning artist René The tranquility and proximity to nature, she said, serve as
nWiley thrives within a realm of vivid hues, her muses.
capturing the essence of her surroundings through her “Like a bird watcher, i am always aware of my
distinctive and emotionally charged artwork. environment,” Wiley said. “Beauty is everywhere; it is not
A self-described “morning person,” Wiley starts her day what you paint but how you paint.”
with exercise, a hearty breakfast, and a cup of coffee, Renowned for her signature style, characterized by
tending to her plants before immersing herself in her bold colors and rich, loose brushstrokes, Wiley crafts
studio. Her constant companion during these creative impressionistic scenes of Galveston with occasional bursts
hours is an audiobook, chosen from her collection of more of complementary colors. She’s among the most popular
than 900 titles. and prolific Galveston-Houston area artists, with her
Among her recent audio journeys is “Rembrandt is in the artwork commanding thousands of dollars.
Wind: Learning to Love Art Through the Eyes of faith,” She and her husband Ben Wiley moved off Galveston

32 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2023