Inside the Sunlight Portraits of Paulina Ree’s Studio
Paulina Ree is an Oslo-based painter, educator, curator, and researcher. Born in Ecuador, Ree moved to the United States as a teenager; during her time there, she first trained in Art, pursuing her lifelong passion for learning about painting and art history. During her studies in Economics at Boston College, she pursued several electives in Art. Ree envisioned the day she would establish a full-time art practice in 2020. Her art practice revolves around regular and continuous research and participating in in-person and online art-related workshops. Ree explores drawing and painting in different mediums. Ree’s focuses on portraiture and figurative art.
Ree’s interest in female artists from history, as well as in understanding the role of gender inequality and imbalance in the art world, is something she is passionate about and for which she regularly holds talks in her atelier. Ree is a member of BKA and NBK, Norwegian organizations for Professional Visual Artists. To date, Paulina has been awarded a scholarship from the European Cultural Academy for a Contemporary Art Course in Venice in July 2023. She has been longlisted for the VAO22 Artists, UK, and International Emerging Artists Award and won a prize when selected as a Finalist in the 8th Edition of the Boynes Artist Award (Young Artist Category). Paulina has been a guest on several podcasts, including New Visionary Podcast and Colour Me Happy Podcast. Paulina has been published in Artist Talk Magazine and Artists of Today and Tomorrow, Contemporary Art Catalogue, Third Edition, among other publications.
In this week’s Studio visit, let’s virtually visit Paulina Ree’s dream studio. Paulina describes her typical day in the studio, where she often works alongside her children and is surrounded by the soothing scent of Palo Santo. Her studio is a vibrant, welcoming space where she brings her creative visions to life, reflecting on mental health, the female experience, and personal stories through her evocative portraits.
1. Paulina, Can you describe your typical studio day and creative process?
I start my day with either affirmations or a short meditation (under 5 minutes), and if I can do both, it is the best way to get into the flow. I then put some music on my vinyl player, mostly from the 1950s or 60s, in Spanish and English. I use photo references, and depending on where I am in the process, I will either look for a reference or take some time to look at the ongoing work and the reference photo before diving right in. I prefer to have long stretches for art, making a 3-hour minimum, which is particularly relevant when working on an oil painting.
2. What is the primary inspiration behind your current body of work?
Music, books, and photographs.
3. What is your favorite memory or incident from your studio?
The first time I set up a studio outside my home, it was a sweet moment. I held close to my heart as I saw everything I love doing in one place; my studio was my happy place.
4. Do you have any studio assistants, or do any visitors like pets or kids often accompany you?
Sometimes my children come by the studio. I have 3 children, ages 4, 9, and 11. They have books, art materials, and games for them to enjoy while I work.
5. How would you describe a dream studio for yourself?
Lots of windows, big, open, airy, and must have some colorful elements.
6. What does your studio smell of right now?
Palo santo (I love the memories this evokes from childhood, so I make sure to have it handy).
7. If you could set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands
8. Can you discuss any ongoing projects or future plans you have for your work?
I am working actively on two series. They have been developing together over time. Both are a series of portraits and autobiographical.
9. How do you organize your space?
Bookshelves and desks are by the walls, and in the middle of the room, I have my easels, all with wheels to move them around the room.
10. What is your favorite corner in the studio?
On a lovely sofa next to the vinyl player, it offers great views of the whole studio and is next to all my favorite art-related books.
Paulina’s studio feels warm and inviting, filled with natural light from large windows. To explore other artists’ virtual studio spaces, visit our website. To get featured on our website, don’t forget to apply for this month’s call for art.
