I recently created the illustration and design for
Capitol Shakespeare’s 2016 performance of Much Ado About Nothing.
Follow me on Instagram to get behind the scenes content
including work in progress shots featuring this illustration.
Tag: watercolor
New Video!
I’m delighted to share this punchy video my kick-ass video expert husband put together of my creative process. I love our creative partnership. Seriously though, watch me pen slingin’ and flingin’ some paint around as I complete a stylish drawing from scratch.
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.
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.
Fruit by Bree Reetz
I’ve been playing with new watercolor brushes in Photoshop today. I’m feeling giddy with the possibilities. Inspiration is a wonderful thing.
Imagination Exercise at Elim Children’s Center
I was invited to Elim Children’s Center to give a little talk about being an artist. We talked about how artists never stop using their imagination, that drawing requires practice, and that when you combine observational drawing with imagination – you get style. They learned how to draw a stylized sleepy cat, a dog, and a pigeon over watercolor. The results were fantastic! I wish you could see each up close, because each drawing has it’s own personality!
Larz Randa Illustration by Bree Reetz
New Zealand rap artist, Larz Randa (Mainard Larken) is totally “hot like tiger balm.” I’ve got mad respect for Randa’s androgynous style, endless smile, funk, quirk, and sense of humor. Check out the song Rangers and prepare to be hooked.
Reindeer Winter
This illustration was heavily inspired by this *photo* of tame Reindeer taken in Alaska in the early 1900’s.
Wild Flower
New Pet Portrait
Just wanted to share a recent pet portrait with you! Buy your own custom pet portrait here!
Textile Design by Bree Reetz – Fire Escape
These Days
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.
Style
“Style is the substance of the subject, called unceasingly to the surface.” -Victor Hugo
painting on wood
Spring Nights
Open Your Eyes
SoMA Walking map
roar
Bree Reetz 