Meet Kathleen Rietz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Rietz.  

Hi Kathleen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I loved art from a very young age and preferred drawing and painting to most childhood activities. My mother was also a very artistic person, and having recognized my potential, nurtured and encouraged my creative endeavors. After high school, I attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL. I then went on into a successful career in commercial art for nearly 3 decades, always dabbling in fine art in my free time in the form of drawing still life, watercolor painting, and sometimes taking classes in pottery and metal sculpture. I even taught art classes to both children and adults. So, I was always fully immersed in the arts. In 2018, I made the decision to switch from commercial art to fine art, this time painting with acrylic paints on canvas. In my art practice, I focus primarily on flowers because the beauty of flowers transcends the barriers of language, politics, and culture. My art is described as abstract, Impressionistic, colorful, and joyful. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had to ride out several waves in my career. Recessions, the housing market crash, 9/11 attacks, and the Covid pandemic as well as losses in my personal life. I thrive on finding creative solutions and new directions to conquer, so I’ve always survived. There were times I took jobs during the day and worked my freelance career at night so I could pay my bills. The key to sustainability in business is to be flexible and learn to pivot as the world changes. And if you pay attention, there is so much you can learn along the way. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I enjoy creating art that brings joy to people’s lives. There is enough darkness and division in the world, so I like to think of my art as something that unites people. For me, that means creating uplifting, colorful art with a decidedly floral feel. Oftentimes when conversing about my art, people will tell me what their favorite flower is and what memories are associated with those flowers for them. Their expression changes, and it’s at that moment I realize my art has transported them to a happier place in their minds. I create art to spread joy. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Only a year after deciding to make fine art a full-time career, the entire world shut down because of the pandemic. As uncertain as life suddenly was for everyone, most people found themselves at home with more time on their hands. It was then that I decided to learn to create online art courses so that people could learn to paint in the safety of their homes. I even created a free Facebook group for my students where they could ask questions and share their work, I could offer guidance, and we could build community. It was such an enriching experience for me as well as for my budding artists. Creating something joyful out of a hard situation has been the highlight of my entire life as an artist. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kathleenrietz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleen_rietz_artist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen.Rietz.Art.Studio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathleenrietz126
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kmrietz/