Cindy Vener

My landscape and abstract paintings are an exploration of color, moods and texture, expressed through impressionism and abstract expressionism. I use a strong palette and embody a bold energy in my mark making – creating loose strokes and vivid layers to capture my memories and experiences of the Florida landscape. It is through the energy of color that I am able to convey the stories I want to tell and the immediacy of what I see. Each painting is a journey of discovery as I watch the colors and shapes come to life in vibrant light and texture.

I paint primarily in oil and acrylic, and in recent years have been incorporating cold wax medium, which I find to be a great vehicle for layering color and creating texture in my abstract paintings. I paint en plein air and in my studio, frequently using a palette knife.

Helen Frankenthaler, David Hockney, Joan Mitchell and Monet inspire my artwork.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Cindy Vener lived and worked in Lynchburg, Virginia for 35 years.  She retired 16 years ago from the financial services industry from a 30 year career as an insurance actuary.  Cindy picked up a brush for the first time 25 years ago and has been painting ever since. After moving to central Florida from Virginia, she found new inspiration for her paintings in the Florida landscape.

Cindy’s commissioned works can be found across Florida including University of Florida Pediatrics in Gainesville, UF Neighborhood Hospital ER in Ocala, Healthy West Orange in Winter Garden and Earls’ Kitchen + Bar, Ft Lauderdale.

Cindy studied painting under the tutelage of Virginia artist Rosalie Day White for 10 years.  She also has taken workshops and classes with artists John Morgan, Mary Gilkerson, Jeffrey Erickson, Robert Burridge and Jane Slivka.  One of Cindy’s favorite learning experiences is the Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program in Bath County, Virginia. She has attended this summer artist’s retreat every summer for 10 years and studied with artists in residence Sara Linda Poly, Laura Loe, Andras Bality, and Diego Sanchez.

Cindy has taught palette knife painting, abstract and beginner acrylic workshops in Virginia and Florida.