work sketches >>>>>
the 9-5 cycle has been rough on me, i can’t lie. it’s been hard to find motivation to make anything once i get home, so i sketch during downtime at work, on my commute home, or when im waiting for something. sometimes i feel like my drawings are better when i don’t care how they turn out, which is kinda annoying lol
THRIFTCON NYC 6/21/25
if you had told me last year that i got the chance to go all the way to new york city and draw portraits at the biggest thrift convention in the world, i would’ve done a backflip and told you you’re full of it. but it happened, it’s real, and the proof is right here!!! it’s so crazy how far Portraits By Rene has reached, and by far im so thankful that i get to meet so many amazing people through this process, both visitors and vendors / event organizers. thank you to everyone i’ve ever talked to, it’s seriously been amazing and i can’t wait for more!!! @thrift_con
and of course, immense thanks to my friends who helped me through the entire event - transportation, videography, good laughs and motivation @shayne__white@jeffrrov1
THANK YOU to everyone who came to visit at the reggie lewis center this past sunday! i absolutely love getting to meet all of you, learn a bit about your lives, and capture your beautiful faces <3
look out for the next event soon! #portraitsbyrene
BOSTON! this sunday, 3/23, ill be back again doing portraits at the reggie lewis center with @select.markets ! in the meantime, have this edit i made of the last event! can’t wait to draw you :)
an ode to KIMCHIPAPI.
ft. my go-to order, spam musubi bowl with no korn 🔥@kimchipapiktchn
this artwork is dedicated to one of my favorite restaurants in boston, kimchipapi kitchen. the first time i tried them in 2021 was the first time i ever had korean food, and i fell in love instantly. i started this drawing a LONGGGG time ago, but i figured it was time i finally finish it up and show it off to the world! genuinely, go try their food if you haven’t already, it’ll change your life ;)
i got to end off 2024 by conquering a dream i’ve had for the longest time: doing live portrait sketches! it was incredible getting to meet so many beautiful people, studying their faces, sketching them out, and getting to learn all about them in the process.
not only did i learn a lot about myself and my abilities, but it became clear to me how amazing of a support system i have. my friends and loved ones showed up and supported me in more ways than i ever could’ve expected or asked for. i am forever grateful to @wlllace , @artziety and @amanda_tow_ for staying up till 4 am the night before helping me cut out prints and prepare my vendor table. THANK YOU to @alexa_.vansuch for providing the TV for my table, and HUGE HUGE HUGE thanks to @man.pointy and @_felipe.padilla for filming the ENTIRE day for me. i seriously couldn’t have done any of this without you guys.
and lastly, biggest thanks to @select.markets for hosting this event and inviting me to be a part of it <3 it was such an INCREDIBLE experience!!!
here’s to another year of art :)
