In 1985 she, her husband and two sons immigrated to New Jersey in the United States, and to sharpen her language skills, Renate enrolled in an art class at her local high school. Her teachers recognized her skill and potential and directed her to the Ridgewood Art Institute where she studied traditional painting under masters Helen Jacobs, Betty Kaytes, and Joe Hing Lowe.
Later, she studied privately under illustrator, Ed Tadiello. Renate's subjects include still lifes, florals, and portraits, but her special talent may be found in her canine studies.
Renate maintains her membership in The American Artist Professional League, The Ridgewood Art Institute, and The Hackensack Art Club in which she served as past president for two years.
Her many awards include three Grumbacher Gold Medals. Renate captured several awards for her oils and drawings at the Dog Art Show in Wichita, Kansas, including top honors in 1999. In 2004, she accepted second place honors at the Dog Fancy Show in New York City for "Having Fun", and second place at the Wichita Dog Art show for her oil painting "Ready"
Coming full circle, Renate now inspires her students at the Saddle Brook, N.J. Community School adult art classes.
Her numerous works may be found in private collections throughout the United States and Europe.
