Lynette Reed
Lynette Reed’s paintings are direct reflections of the life she has lived, her environment both past and present. Each of her vibrant pieces are snapshots in time and expressions of deep emotion, embodiments of her viewpoint, and a reaction to her intense fear of death. When Lynette paints, she infuses each work with an indescribable love of being alive.
For Lynette, creating a painting is a journey of discovery, an interplay between colour, light, and emotion. Each conception is different – the piece tells her how to begin. Sometimes she is moved to use colour, other times she needs more control and opts for sketch and line.
Lynette began painting in March of 2020 when Italy went into lockdown. It was a terrifying time, and as she has always created, she knew the best way to keep the anxiety from taking control was to find something to do with her hands. What she didn’t realize was that painting would open an amazing world to her and become her obsession and path.
Lynette’s small town in Italy is visible in her work: the gorgeous, saturated colours, the peeling paint, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways, old frescos poking through slowly chipping concrete, the blue green colour of the river that runs past my window, the deep red brown of the historic bridge, the vegetation along the riverbanks, the hills that lead to the Alps and the the glorious Mediterranean light.
“In stark contrast I also see my past, New York City in the 1980’s where I spent a decade as a model. I see Zurich, Tokyo, Milan, traveling around the world to film television commercials and shoot ad campaigns. Life was fast and full of colour! Although my work is abstract, I see it and feel it all, the life and passion surrounds me and is always a part of me.”
Lynette attended the Parsons School of Design in New York City from 1986-1988. Her paintings have been exhibited in the U.S. and internationally, in Italy, the U.K. and Belgium. Her works are also collected in numerous public and private collections.
What do you first do when you get to the studio?
Clean up and organize from the previous days session. Then stare at what I’m working on before diving into it.
How many paintings do you work on at a time?
Usually at least 2-3 and as many as 6.
Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?
I love working on large canvases and doing them for the wall behind the bed (very large). My dream would be to do all the rooms in a hotel.
If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?
This is interesting because I really like painting alone. But I did an artist collaboration series with Caitlin Flood-Molyneux and it was a fantastic time!
What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?
I very much work in the moment by being present and working completely intuitively.
How has your art evolved over time?
It continues to change and grow, and sometimes there are elements of early work that reappear.
What do you like most about your work?
The energy and the color.
What is one word that best describes your style?
Four words – energetic, happy, colorful, lively!
Is there an idea you would like to explore?
If I have an idea to explore I just do it!
What is your favorite time of day to paint?
It depends on the day and how I’m feeling in the moment!
Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece?
Every once in a while, and the way I handle it is to do something super-drastic. I usually do something that is in contrast to what I did previously; so usually something that is in stark contrast and bold to shift the energy of the piece.
What is up next on your easel?
A big blank canvas that is dying to play!
Click here to see more of Lynette’s work!