Featured image: Mickey Mouse, Fantasia, Carrot Cake, SL17, Rena Patterson, 2018, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 cm.
Rena Patterson’s still life paintings are a vibrant celebration of human experience, weaving together literature, animation, nostalgia, and everyday pleasures.
Rena Patterson creates detailed still life paintings that celebrate literature, animation, and daily joys, transforming nostalgic objects into timeless cultural narratives.
Her meticulously detailed compositions combine books, toys, food, and objects of entertainment, offering a narrative that bridges the past and present. Each painting tells a unique story, reflecting the cultural significance of the items depicted. Patterson explores themes of storytelling, deception, and the joy found in everyday life.
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Dumbo, Chicken Little, SL20, Rena Patterson, 2018, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 cm.
This vibrant still life captures the whimsy and nostalgia of beloved animated films. With Dumbo perched atop a stack of literary classics, and Chicken Little in a toy car, the painting pays homage to the intersection of storytelling across mediums. Pixar’s influence is evident, reinforcing how animation has shaped modern culture. The carefully arranged colored pencils, sketchpad, and book selections suggest the creative process behind these cherished characters, reminding viewers of the craftsmanship behind storytelling. Patterson’s use of warm tones and balanced lighting creates a sense of comfort and familiarity, drawing the viewer into the scene as if stepping into an artist’s workspace.
Pinocchio and Deception SL16, Rena Patterson, 2020, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 cm.
Patterson’s Pinocchio and Deception SL16 delves into the theme of truth and exaggeration in storytelling. The painting prominently features a Pinocchio figurine beside a collection of books, including classic literature and tales of fishing adventures. The juxtaposition of the wooden puppet—symbolic of dishonesty—with a fishing reel and book titled The Gigantic Fishing Stories humorously nods to how embellishments are a part of human nature. The detailed textures of the objects, from the aged book pages to the gleaming fish on the plate, highlight Patterson’s mastery of realism. This piece encapsulates the way stories, whether fictional or anecdotal, shape human experience and perception.
Stuart Little Car and Starbucks SL8, Rena Patterson, 2020, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 cm.
In Stuart Little Car and Starbucks SL8, Patterson blends contemporary life with classic storytelling. The painting presents a cozy scene with a cup of Starbucks coffee, an open newspaper, and a meticulously rendered plate of snacks. Atop a stack of books on art and literature sits a vintage red car, evoking the adventures of Stuart Little. The inclusion of Disney-themed items, such as the Mickey and Minnie clock, reinforces the timeless impact of animation on personal and collective memories. The composition’s rich contrasts and precise detailing invite viewers to appreciate the beauty in simple pleasures—reading, coffee, and the cherished stories that have shaped generations.
Patterson’s still lifes transcend traditional representation by embedding layers of cultural and personal significance within each scene. Her work not only captures objects but tells stories, evoking memories and emotions tied to the artifacts of daily life. Whether exploring the impact of animation, the nuances of storytelling, or the joy of routine, her paintings serve as timeless tributes to human experience. Through a masterful interplay of color, texture, and composition, Rena Patterson ensures that the essence of nostalgia and creativity remains alive on canvas.
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Minnie Mouse, Scrabble, Peppers SL19, Rena Patterson, 2018, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 cm.
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