Renee Mendler (b. 1979) is a contemporary artist originally from Upstate New York, now based in Tampa, Florida, where she lives with her husband, three children, and three dogs. From an early age, Mendler struggled to find a creative outlet for self-expression, often feeling isolated as an only child at home and facing challenges as a quiet, introverted student. After earning a master’s degree in education and teaching high school mathematics, she ultimately discovered her true passion in painting. Her artistic practice spans a range of abstract styles and mediums, including resin, highly textured acrylics, and mixed media. Each piece reflects an ongoing exploration of materials and techniques, continuously evolving as she pushes the boundaries of her work. Artist Statement:My work is deeply influenced by the beauty of nature, the love of family, and my personal emotional responses to color, texture, and composition. Sobriety has given me the clarity to fully experience and translate my emotions into art, allowing me to be present in every brushstroke. I embrace the freedom of abstraction—where movement and color dictate the composition, resulting in vibrant, dynamic works. Often, I begin without a set plan, allowing intuition to guide my process. By the time a piece is complete, I realize the meaning was there all along. My art speaks in ways that words cannot. For my latest series at Drew Marc Gallery, I incorporate resin and acrylic on wooden panels, achieving a striking high-gloss finish through multiple layers of resin and meticulous line work. The collection features gradients ranging from warm to cool tones, as well as striking black-and-white compositions, offering a variety of pieces to suit any space and collector. From small intimate works to large-scale statement pieces, this series is a testament to the fluidity and depth of abstraction.