About
Renée Kanowitz is a full-time abstract contemporary painter in Sydney.
Movement is drawn through each painting by emotion and the music I feel in the moment of making it.
Painting full time from the studio, in acrylic and heavy texture media on canvas and board.
She is self-taught, and has kept the spark alive through years of workshops, classes and retreats — and still does.
Her painting begins in emotion rather than subject, and each piece becomes a journey. The work moves through three territories: abstract botanical, landscape, and ceremonial narrative tribal art. Renée paints bright and bold, in many textural mediums, built up in layers until the surface becomes alive.
Renée came to Australia from South Africa many years ago. The flora and landscape here are the subject; the colour she grew up with is still in the paint.
She exhibits regularly, enters competitions, and travels to art retreats. Her work is held in private collections in Australia and internationally.
Where the work has gone
Inside the studio
A diptych part-painted on the easel, colour tests pinned beside it. Surfaces are built here slowly, layer over layer, until they come alive.
Painting for others
Each year a portion of Renée’s work is donated to charity auctions and fundraising exhibitions — supporting sight restoration, women’s health, community welfare and arts access. Pieces have gone to the Fred Hollows Foundation through an optometrist-led auction, the WomanCAN online art fundraiser, Incognito, Mums for Mums, and the ZDVO charity auction in Melbourne.
Exhibition enquiries →