California artist Michele Rene is one of the featured artists in the Jones Gallery monthly show, where her pieces “Waiting” and “Miranda” will grace the walls through September.

With over 9,000 square feet of space in the Crossroads Arts District, Jones Gallery is able to host artists from around the nation in their monthly group shows. Michele Rene responded to a call for art and two of her paintings were accepted.

Michele Rene was born and raised in California and grew up in a household that celebrated art and music. From an early age, her subject matter has been people, with an emphasis on the female. “A lot of my girls are made-up characters, imaginary friends if you will, but sometimes I’ll paint a portrait from reference, like Miranda.”

“Miranda” – an 8”x10” acrylic on canvas was painted from a snapshot of a stranger who let Michele Rene take a photo. “When I started the piece, I didn’t even know who she was so I called her Crystal because she works at the metaphysical shop. I later learned her name is Miranda. She’s a stunning redhead with impeccable fashion sense.”

Other paintings of people might be more on the abstract leaning and receive a title connected with mood, such as “Waiting” – a 15”x19.5” acrylic on board.

Rene explains, “There was no reference with this one, except maybe the dress, a vintage frock still in my closet waiting to be mended. I had every intention of filling in the face and detailing the skin, but the more she sat there, the more I considered her complete just the way she is, like a peaceful patient benevolent ghost of a girl — so much so that I invested in a custom frame. To this day she is one of my favorites; I like the way the wood grain appears through the paint.”

Witness “Miranda” and “Waiting” at Jones Gallery through September 28, 2023.