Good bye 2015!

My favorite series to come out of this year has been my adventure partner series.

My husband and I grew up in the same neck of the woods geographically but wouldn’t meet each other until high school. But we’re convinced that had we known each other back in those days, we would’ve been inseparable. The first illustration I did in the adventure series imagines us exploring together in a slightly Wes Anderson style. I’m still in love with that illustration, and from what I’ve heard, so are many of you. So I was inspired to keep imagining our adventures and illustrating them. If you follow my work closely you’ve already seen some of this work. But I’m proud to wrap up this series as we wrap up this year.

adventurepartners3

AdventurePartnersSparkler

youngexplorer

Illustration by Bree Reetz

In 2016 I look forward to creating more whimsical bodies of work that echo themes, characters, colors, or style. Creating sets of illustrations that are harmonious together is a goal I’m already striving for as we enter into the new year. But you know me, illustration is my passion. I’m always striving to push myself and my work.

And so we’ll close out the year with a set of meaningful quotes from 2015 that I hand painted in bubble-gum (or what I like to call) power pink.

Friedrich Nietzsche Quote Lettering by Bree Reetz

lettering by Bree Reetz - The national quote

lettering by Bree Reetz - Simone Beavoir

lettering by Bree Reetz - Do it or don't

These Days

These Days by Bree Reetz

As a professional artist, I often draw with a specific intention. Whether the intention is client driven or inspired by an image or a whim, I find that I am more productive if I set out with the idea that I’d like to complete something specific. However, once upon a time, I drew just for the sake of it. Sometimes it was cathartic, sometimes it was just for the fun. These days it’s a treat to let a drawing run away with me. This piece is a great example of the sort of playful and moody drawing that might happen when I let my pencil take me where it will.

This drawing is loosely inspired by “These Days” a pensive song by the lovely Nico. Her endearingly deep voice is paired with honest lyrics that leave you lost in thought. Similarly to the character you see here, who is seemingly surrounded by a solar system of thoughts revolving around her head, swimming in vivid colors.

Theodore Twombly – From the movie Her

Illustration by Bree Reetz

My hubby and I recently went to see the movie Her. I really enjoyed it. It was really beautifully done. And it touched on aspects of relationships that most movies gloss over or leave out entirely. The character Theodore Twombly was absolutely love-able. And so I decided to illustrate him and share it with you.