BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Bremerton, Washington, Randena became fascinated and intimately acquainted with the natural world while growing up on Puget Sound. Her Pacific Northwest studio is surrounded by native flora and fauna which inform much of her work. She is a member of the Washington Native Plant Society and the Audubon Society, which add to her wealth of personal experience with nature.
Randena received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Evergreen State College in 1996. She was a three-year recipient of the Alfred G. & Elma M. Milotte scholarship for her undergraduate work in painting and natural history studies. She has taught design at Olympic College and demonstrated drawing and painting techniques as a guest artist for arts organizations and design and painting classes.
Randena has been exhibiting and receiving awards in regional and national juried shows for over 20 years. She has been published in Whatcom Museum’s 2005 catalog, An Enduring Legacy, Women Painters of Washington 1930 - 2005, and North Light Books Strokes of Genius 2, The Best of Drawing Light and Shadow, Rachel Rubin Wolf, editor, 2009. She is a member of Women Painters of Washington and the Northwest Pastel Society, earning the title of Distinguished Pastelist in 1995. Randena is represented by Roby King Galleries, Bainbridge Island, WA.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
"I spent many hours playing on the beach and roaming the woods while growing up in the Pacific Northwest. I find my greatest inspiration in the field, in the wild places. All of my senses are involved here. On hikes I like to take a minimum of gear for studies; this way I can travel further. A small watercolor palette, a variety of pencils and pens and a 5" x 7" sketchbook are all I need. Later, in my studio I create larger drawings and paintings in pastel or mixed media, keeping the fresh, spontaneous feel of my studies.
"Gesture and expressive use of line are key elements in my work. Whether drawing or painting, a dynamic rhythm flows from energetic mark-making. Only the essential is expressed. Sensitive, lively lines act as a conduit for my emotions."
