Early Years of Renee Radell

Early years highlights. Renee Kaupiz was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1929, daughter of immigrants from Lebanon, and moved as a toddler to Detroit, Michigan. She attended Detroit’s prestigious Cass Technical High School. Declining a full scholarship to Pratt Institute in distant New York City, Radell chose Detroit Society of Arts & Crafts where she studied painting under Art School Director Sarkis Sarkisian and life drawing under Robert Diebboll.

Radell’s skill with watercolor in her early years of art school quickly translated into a consistent series of top regional prizes for watercolor techniques at art institutions, curated art shows and private art and business organizations. Local press exposure and purchase awards of her watercolor paintings followed from Detroit Institute of Arts, Walter. P. Chrylsler Museum and the Dearborn Art Institute.

(scroll down for Renee Radell Artist Bio timeline)

A man and two children pose for the camera.

1929

Born Renée Katherine Kaupiz in Birmingham, Alabama, daughter of Genevieve and Elias Louis Kaupiz.

A street view of houses and trees in the city.

1937

Moves with family to Detroit, Michigan.

A large building with many windows and a sky background

1941

The Detroit News in its youth page, on several occasions publishes her early war commentary drawings

A woman sitting on the ground in front of trees.

1944

Selected by her teachers to attend a nationally acclaimed art program at Detroit's Cass Technical High School where she graduates with highest honors.

A black and white photo of the detroit society of arts & crafts.

1947

Accepts 4-year National Scholastic Art Scholarship to attend the Art School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts (currently, College for Creative Studies). Studies painting under Sarkis Sarkasian and life drawing under Robert Diebboll.

A painting of a pitcher and bowl on the table

1949

2010+ | Timeline Index | 1950s