Check Out Brian Fritz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Fritz

Hi Brian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Brian and I paint birds. Or at least that’s the easy way of explaining it.

I’ve always been an artist, ever since my mom took me to her graphic design classes as a little one. The teacher set me up with some crayons and paper and let me go. I was always encouraged from an young age and got to try almost everything.

I went through school known as something of an artist and musician, going to college for graphic design and video stuff.

After that, I moved to Dallas, TX with my then-girlfriend for a few years. It was an abusive relationship already and only got worse when we moved. Mentally, physically, all of that.

At some point, I hit bottom and realized that I had to start clawing my way back up. Part of that, for me anyway, was drawing a bird every day to get in touch with my inner artist again. Just something simple that I can track and look back on and know was mine.

I started to get a little bit of a following for it and realized that I was getting pretty good. Eventually, the girlfriend and I had a really bad fight and I took a plane home. Like a bird, I flew away from a situation that didn’t serve me.

When I got back home to Michigan, I leaned even harder on the birds as I recovered and found my community. I started to experiment with more modern art techniques and influences and move to acrylic on canvas. The colors got brighter. I started using gold.

One night at a live painting event with a bunch of other artists, I finished up the bluebird I was painting and went wandering around to see what everyone else was up to. I met a beautiful woman my age with curly hair painting a flamingo. We eventually started talking, then dating and now we’re happily married and making art together.

This last year, 2024, I was what the art world calls an “emerging artist.” That means it was my first year really going out and trying to sell my work. I was juried into and participated in about 17 outdoor art fairs in Southeast Michigan and a whole handful of popups and smaller events. I’ve also taken on teaching and live painting for charity events as well as window painting and murals. It’s been crazy but such a rewarding experience overall.

I continue to paint birds because they mean so much to me, and in showing my work I’ve realized that they mean a lot to other people as well. They serve as powerful symbols across time and culture and bring profound meaning into people’s lives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been rough learning how to do an art fair. From setting up the tent to bringing the right work and talking with people. My first couple were busts. I’m still learning, but my setup is more professional and efficient now and I try to talk less to let the art speak. I’ve also learned that it’s all about the follow-up!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in vibrant bird and nature portraits with a modern art influence. I’m known for my very bright colors and contrast, use of gold, and the personality that comes out of my subjects.

I’m most proud of my Affirmations series, where I add a short repeated affirmation in the background of a larger painting, adding both a layer of visual interest and changing the meaning of the scene on top.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve taken on pretty hefty financial risks in signing up for art fairs and bulk-ordering supplies and prints. I’ve also taken on interpersonal risks in leveling up my business. It’s scary talking to complete strangers about my life’s work! At least at first.

Painting bigger is also a risk. I’ve had to convince people that I could take a sketch or mockup and accurately put it on their walls. Then I had to convince myself that I could do it and learn the things I need to know along the way!

This whole year has been a set of calculated risks. Next year will be a little better-calculated and the one after that will be even better.

Pricing:

• Prints in the $50-80 range
• Small canvas paintings around $100
• Medium canvases start at $400
• Large canvases starting at $1,200
• Murals start at $20/sq. ft

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brianleefritz.com
• Instagram: @brianleefritz
• Facebook: @brianleefritz