Editor's pick: Art opening

Bird and human mix in Render’s paintings

Fri., June 3, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Live music. Free. With Trix Render. Central Park Gallery, 914 Church Street, Honesdale, PA. 570/253-1000.

Eight birdfeeders outside Trix Render’s A-frame in Damascus, PA supply seeds for local wrens and finches as well as insight into the brisk lives of birds for a local artist. With precision akin to Audubon, Render has captured a variety of avian species in a collection of oil paintings she will display June 3 as the Wayne County Arts Alliance continues its First Friday series. She has also added stylistic flourish through colorful detail and quirky props that lend meaning and humor to her paintings. Instead of a cage, one pigeon is held captive by a ball and chain. Another regal-looking dove wears a monocle.

“I have a very warped sense of humor,” Render said, “but I have fun with it.” Her detailed paintings do require time and diligence. She completed 12 last year.

After working for some years as a photographer, Render began painting only a few years ago. Born in South Africa, she grew up on her parents’ farm in the midst of Apartheid, though she shunned the social structure as an adolescent and lived periodically in several European cities. She left South Africa permanently in 1990, though she continues to visit when possible.

Render also specializes in painting the plants that grow on her property in Damascus, including mushrooms, lady slipper orchids and jack-in-the-pulpits. Always depicted with intricacy, they serve as flourish in her paintings, which are full with personality.