Meet Renie Bartman | Charcoal Artist & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renie Bartman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursue an artistic career because it is truly my passion. When you are fully committed to doing something you love not only are you filled on a personal level, you are able to give 110% to truly become the best at that career. When you are working a career or a job you are not truly passionate in and not truly happy doing, you never commit to that level. You are never really going to be in a position to be the best at something that you hate doing. You have to have a love for it. A love so deep you stay up all hours to produce work that has the most impact. Thats how championships are made, that’s why artists like Van Gogh, Michelangelo, and Frida are still relevant. The love for their career bleeds through to the results.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work with charcoal and pencil. In the past few years I’ve grown to love photography equally. I think what really sets me apart from most is my ability to do realistic portraits. In my landscape and street photography I love drastic contrast. It hasn’t been easy pursuing this career. Out of high school I wasn’t sure what I truly wanted to do. I’ve always loved art but was never told that this could be a sustainable career. A couple years out of high school I ended up in a tattoo shop as an apprentice and that really changed my outlook. I realized upon first walking into the shop that this really what I was meant to do in life, my calling. Art. Even though my shop closed I knew deep down in my heart that this is exactly what I was placed on earth to do. After the closing of my shop I ended up in sales and became a successful leader and manager of sales teams for a couple different companies. At this time my pay was pretty high and fully committing to being an artist was down right scary. Then, my world completely changed. I had my beautiful daughter. You would think that my pay would become even more important, but I realized that so was pursuing my true dreams. How could I tell her that she can become anything her heart desires and that all her dreams can come true if I myself am not pursuing my own passions. With a lot of hard work and dedication her dreams can become her reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The best thing about living in California is how big and different the state is. I would first go to some local restaurants. One of our favorites here in Stockton is a restaurant called Midtown Creperie. I would also make sure that during their stay we go to a local art market. We have so many great ones here in the Central Valley and Bay area. I think I would also spend a couple days down in San Diego. Beautiful beaches, great art, and amazing food. Last but not least we would try new restaurants and activities. I think you create some great memories when firsts are done.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband deserves more than a little credit in supporting my passion. He has always pushed me to take my skill to the next level. He gets up early and stays up late to do art markets. He watches our daughter regularly while I am able to work on new pieces and while I’m in school. He never says no to any of my crazy artistic ideas. He provides critical feedback to assist me with making the best changes to improve on current works or for future works. It is rare to have this kind of support, and to have it in my life partner means so much more.

Website: https://theycallitrenieart.wixsite.com/renieart

Instagram: @theycallitrenieart

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/renie-bartman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theycallitrenieart/