# Renee Walden
*Watercolor artist, teacher, and sketchbook traveler*

Renee Walden is a watercolor artist, tutor, and sketchbook traveler currently based in Spain. Born in South Africa and a New Zealander by choice, she has spent years roaming Europe and New Zealand, first splitting her time between Lake Hawea on New Zealand's South Island and the European countryside in a camper van and now calling Spain her permanent home. This life of movement and deep connection with nature is the foundation of her art.

Her work spans watercolor landscapes, abstract mixed media paintings, and richly layered sketchbooks, with a focus on capturing place, memory, and the passage of time. Whether she's painting representational street scenes, bold abstract landscapes, or wildlife encountered on her travels, Renee's art is shaped by the three countries she has called home (South Africa, New Zealand, and Spain) and by a lifelong love of wild places and small, everyday moments.

Alongside her studio practice, Renee has been teaching since 2017, sharing watercolor with hundreds of students around the world. She teaches through online courses and tutorials on her website, a growing library of over 100 video lessons, a Patreon channel, and immersive painting holidays: multi-day retreats in Europe and New Zealand where students paint outdoors, fill their sketchbooks, and experience a place through an artist's eyes. She holds a Higher Diploma in Education, and her teaching style is warm, encouraging, and grounded in helping people slow down, observe deeply, and enjoy the process.

At the heart of Renee's teaching is the belief that anyone can learn to paint with joy and confidence. She brings that spirit into everything she does, from plein air adventures with a sketchbook in hand to her weekly online content, and she is always focused on helping people find their own creative voice.

Learn more about Renee Walden and her work by visiting her [website](https://www.walden.co.nz/), or follow her on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/reneewaldenart).

**Connect:** [Website](https://www.walden.co.nz/) · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/reneewaldenart)

## Retreats led by Renee Walden

### Capturing Your Travel Memories in a Sketchbook Retreat with Artist Renee Walden in Spain
September 6 - 13, 2027 · Níjar, Almería, Spain · $4,950
Instructors: Renee Walden
[Details](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreat/capturing-your-travel-memories-in-a-sketchbook-retreat-artist-renee-walden-spain) · [Book on uptrek.com →](https://uptrek.com/retreat/capturing-your-travel-memories-in-a-sketchbook-retreat-artist-renee-walden-spain#book)

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**Last updated:** 2026-06-11