F.A.Q.

Why did my order get delivered in several packages at different times?

A lot of my products are created through "print-on-demand" services, which is when products get printed one at a time based on the order by a third party manufacturer. I use several different print-on-demand services for different products, so they may have different processing times and will be sent out separately. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out and I will be happy to look into it!

What gouache paints do you use?

The majority of gouache paintings I create using Windsor and Newton designer gouache, M. Graham artist's gouache, and Holbein acrylic gouache. I mainly mix my own colors from different yellows, reds, and blues, and white although I do use pre-mixed colors such as purple, green, etc. 

 

What paper do you use for gouache and watercolor?

I use cold press watercolor paper from various brands. The 9x12 - 11x14 paper I use is by Arches. For my 5x7 paper I usually use Strathmore. 

 

What is plein air painting?

Plein air painting is painting on location or from life -- for example, going to the park and setting up an easel and painting what's in front of you. My favorite places to paint are around Ojai (specifically the Meadow Preserve, my own backyard, and local parks) and the beaches around the Ventura coast. I use a tripod and portable easel setup from Amazon to paint en plein air. 

 

How long have you been painting?

I have been painting since I was a little kid. I started with an art class when I was a toddler and from there I spent a lot of time doodling and drawing and painting whatever came out of my imagination. I started drawing more seriously in sixth grade when I discovered anime. My love for character art started when I began drawing lot of characters from my favorite shows as well as original characters. I started with an iPad and worked my way up to a Wacom tablet, drawing digitally with the program, PaintTool Sai. When I entered high school I still drew a lot of character art but when I started AP Art class I was given a lot of projects that were out of my comfort zone both in subject and medium. I drew still lifes and painted surrealism. I worked a lot with watercolor and color pencil and occasionally I would draw digitally for class assignments. I was in several galleries with my school and even participated in an art festival in Ojai, CA called Art in the Park through my school where I sold one-of-a-kind, hand painted tennis shoes. It wasn't until early 2021 that I started and fell in love with painting with gouache. I have since studied at several artistic institutes and have taught 2 gouache painting classes. I began painting pet portraits in late 2021 which has turned into a big part of my career. I explored oil paint in late 2022 by painting a car portrait. 

 

Can I buy original paintings?

The option to purchase original paintings on my website is coming soon, but for now my original gouache paintings can be purchased at Poppies Art & Gifts, located at 323 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023.

My instagram is the best way to stay in the loop for when new paintings will be available for sale online, at Poppies Art & Gifts, other stores, and events. 

 

Did you go to school for art?

I took AP Art classes in high school where I broadened my portfolio and experience with different styles, subjects, and mediums. In late 2020 I took several classes at online institute Computer Graphic Master Academy. In 2021, I attended a semester at Otis College of Art and Design. I originally went to art school to study fashion but it wasn't until I got to Otis that I realized that I would rather spend my life painting and selling art and my creative projects locally and online. I learned some very valuable, useful skills, and fundamental princables during the semester I spent at Otis College of Art and Design. Just one semester alone has really helped me improve my paintings and art in general. As of January 2024 I am taking classes at Ventura Community College.

 

Where can I buy your products in person?

My online products differ slightly from the items I sell in person because Print-on-Demand items are obtained differently than wholesale. That being said, original paintings, limited prints, stickers, keychains, greeting cards, post cards, patches and water bottles can be found at  Poppies Art & Gifts, located at 323 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023. Greeting cards can be found at Rainbow Bridge Natural Food, located at 211 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023. Greeting cards and stickers can be found at Sunday's, located at  307 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023. Stickers, prints, greeting cards, keychains, and postcards can be found at the Ojai Valley Museum, located at  130 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023.

 

Do you take painting and product suggestions?

Yes! I would love your suggestions for things you would like to see me paint or products that you would like me to sell with my paintings on them. As of right now I don't paint or draw human portraits but as far as landscapes and still lifes, I would love to hear your suggestions. Please email me at rennbirdd@gmail.com for suggestions!