ABOUT THE ARTIST

Laureen “Reen” Axtell grew up with a love of the Rocky Mountains and the unique landmarks of the Denver/Boulder area where she was raised. These special places are the subjects of much of her art. Her work also reflects a deep connection to the High Plains of Eastern Colorado, where her family’s third-generation farm is located.

Reen studied art and graphic design at Colorado State University and worked as a Graphic Designer, Art Director and Creative Director for 35+ years. Working in graphic design fine-tuned her ability to solve creative problems, study color relationships, and frame images in an unexpected way. In 2018, Reen left corporate design and advertising to devote herself to fine art.

ARTIST STATEMENT

After a long career in advertising and graphic design, I returned to my first love of fine art. My graphic design background has served me well. I still use my designer’s eye when creating, no matter what the medium. My work starts from a place of solid design, strong shapes, and a colorful palette. A love of vintage photos, memorabilia, and an appreciation of my family’s western roots has always been a part of my own history. Through my work, I love creating and sharing an updated and playful look at the past.

PAINTING
When creating my paintings I merge vintage photos with abstract, mixed media backgrounds. My process is to build up several layers of acrylic paint, then remove areas, add new layers, scratches, marks, transfers and collage until the final “story” emerges. My goal is to create a piece with vibrant color, strong composition and above all a sense of fun.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Through my photography I use artful angles and a colorful palette to create a new look at everyday places and subjects. My photos include a wide variety of subject matter, from vintage signs and amusement parks to country roads and landscapes. But whatever the subject, my goal is to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, a peaceful environment or to simply photograph an interesting composition of shape and color.

PUBLIC ART COLLECTIONS

Photography:
- Wintrust Bank, Denver, CO
- Vectra Bank Headquarters, Denver, CO
- UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, Highlands Ranch, CO
- UCHealth Medical Office Building, Highlands Ranch, CO

EXHIBITIONS AND SHOWS

Paintings:
- Transcending the West, Artworks Gallery, Loveland, CO (Oct - Dec, 2022)
- Western Spirit Art Show, CFD Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY (March - April, 2023)
- New Frontiers Art Show, CFD Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY (Nov - Dec, 2023)
- Arvada Center Fine Art Market, Arvada Center Galleries, Arvada, CO (Nov - Dec, 2023)
- Contemporary Realism Now, Gallery 1261, Denver, CO (Jan 6 - Jan 27, 2024)

Photography:
- Land Through the Lens, Boulder County Photography Exhibit, Longmont, CO (Aug - Sept 2019)
- Black and White Nature, Lincoln Gallery, Loveland, CO (Feb 2021)
- Aspens in the Fall, RGallery, Boulder, CO (Oct. - Dec, 2022)
- Industrial, RGallery, Boulder, CO (Jan - March, 2023)

PUBLICATIONS

Articles:
- Voyage Denver

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Education: Bachelor of Fine Art, Colorado State University

Work Experience: During her 35+ year career, Reen has worked at advertising agencies, managed corporate in-house creative groups and owned her own freelance graphic design business. In 2018 Reen opened Brilliant Blue Studios to pursue fine art.

Art Workshops + Classes Completed:
- Tubac School of Fine Art, Tubac AZ — Techniques in Acrylic Paint, Amy Brakeman Livezey, Instructor (March 2022)
- Arvada Center for the Arts, Arvada, CO — Painting in Watercolor, Pam McLaughlin, Instructor (March 2022)
- Lincoln Gallery, Loveland, CO — Pastels & Oils, Mike Beeman, Instructor (April 2021)
- Art Students League of Denver, Denver, CO — Painting in Watercolor, Dennis Pendleton, Instructor (2022); Working in Pastels, Judith Scott, Instructor (2018); Plein Air Landscape, Doug Dawson, Instructor (2016); Studio Landscape with Oil & Pastel, Doug Dawson, Instructor (2015)
- Scottsdale Artist’s School, Scottsdale AZ — Acrylic Landscapes, William Hook, Instructor (April 2015)