F.A.Q.

What gouache paints do you use?

I use Windsor & Newton designer gouache, M. Graham artist's gouache, and Holbein acryla gouache. I've experimented with other brands but these are the ones that I like the best and are regarded as very professional brands.

 

What is gouache paint?

Gouache is an opaque water based and activated paint that is known for its vibrant pigments and thick consistency. Unlike watercolor that requires layering from light to dark, gouache works very similarly to oil and acrylic in regards to layering from dark to light. Because of the thick consistency and the opaqueness of the paint, the user is able to paint light on top of dark. This allows for a unique effect of depth that vastly differs from watercolor. I love gouache because I can still achieve vibrant colors, enjoy the fast drying times, and blend harsh edges by reactivating the dry paint with water. 

 

What paper do you use when painting with gouache?

I prefer cold press watercolor paper and I source it from various brands. For sizes 8x10, 9x12, and 11x14 I use Arches and my 5x7 paintings tend to be done on Strathmore paper. 

 

How long have you been painting?

I am a lifelong artist and have been painting since I was a young child. It seems like I've had a pencil, paint brush, or marker in my hand since before I could walk. I have always had a wild and vivid imagination which my child self utilized to draw anything and everything I could dream of.

Through my very supportive family, I continued to draw and my skills blossomed. I began drawing seriously around fourth grade, creating artwork of my favorite childhood cartoon characters. It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school, when I took an advanced art class, that I began to venture out and try different styles, mediums, and subjects that were far out of my comfort zone. 

Of all the years I'd painted, I never saw myself being a landscape artist. It wasn't until I took an online course covering the basics of gouache and was tasked to paint my first landscape that I really fell in love with both the medium and the subject. From there, I began painting en plein air around my town and found joy in connecting with nature via painting. 

In 2022 after making the difficult decision to cut my time at art school short, I returned home and began painting seriously with gouache. I began selling my work and eventually teaching classes, and it has now become something I'm known for. While I still draw characters and participate in many other forms of crafts, painting landscapes has remained my passion.

 

Can I buy original paintings?

My original paintings are not yet available for purchase online, however I do sell in person. My original works can be found at Poppies Art & Gifts, located at 323 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023. 

The best way to be the first to know when my original paintings become available on my website is to subscribe to my email newsletter. Updates can also be found on my instagram, @rennbirdd.

 

Did you study fine art?

I participated in my high school's advanced art class for most of my time there and went on to take independent classes online. In 2021, I studied at Otis College of Art & Design for a brief semester and in the spring of 2024 I attended one class at Ventura Community College.

I have also had the pleasure of working with highly regarded local artists as their student. I largely practiced oil painting in my time with them. 

 

Do you teach classes?

As of January, 2026, I am not actively involved in teaching classes, however I have taught a few with a high success rate and I plan to resume classes when the weather warms up. Future classes gouache landscape painting classes will be held in Ojai, California, although the venue changes. 

 

How much do classes cost?

The price to attend my classes varies. Typically the cost is $50 with a $20 material fee, but classes taught at organizations such as Help of Ojai that focus on offering activities to locals at little to no cost range from $20 - $0.

 

Where can I buy your artwork in person?

My work including art prints, original paintings, and cards can be found at the following locations:

Poppies Art & Gifts... 323 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023

Rainbow Bridge Natural Food... 211. E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023

Ojai Valley Museum gift store... 130 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023