Featured Artist Colleen Rieu

Artist Colleen Rieu shares a collection of abstract paintings that vibrate with energy and color. See more of her work on her website.

 

abstract painting by Colleen Rieu

“Extraordinary” acrylic, 18″ x 24″

 

I create art because it’s easier for me to express myself with paint than words.

 

abstract floral by Colleen Rieu

“Bird of Paradise” acrylic, 18″ x 24″

 

I’ve always been a creative. I made paper doll cutouts and clothing as a young girl in the 60’s, and drew gag cartoons for magazines as I attempted to follow in my father’s footsteps.

 

abstract landscape by Colleen Rieu

“In the Distance” acrylic, 12″ x 12″

 

In the eighties we started a family. My passion was decorating our home and planting our gardens. Twenty years later, I became fascinated with designing homes. In the end, we built six of them.

 

abstract painting by Colleen Rieu

“Patches” acrylic, 24″ x 30″

 

In 2017, we left mainland British Columbia to retire on beautiful Vancouver Island. That’s where the painting started.

 

abstract landscape by Colleen Rieu

“Distant City” acrylic, 12″ x 12″

 

I dabbled a bit with watercolours, but eventually acrylics became my medium of choice. I paint any subject that calls to me. Mostly I enjoy the abstract side of art where I can let my freak fly!

 

abstract painting by Colleen Rieu

“Bow your Head” acrylic, 12″ x 12″

 

I love the fast and furious strokes that escape with intuitive art making. Every piece created starts with scribbles on paper or canvas to break that menacing white surface. Abstracts truly are a bearing of the soul. I love that this beauty comes from within—you know there is no other painting identical to what your spirit produces.

 

abstract sea scape by Colleen Rieu

“Oceanview” acrylic, 48″ x 48″

 

I prefer to paint large so I can throw my whole body into the work as I move to some good tunes. My moods also play a huge role in what develops, hence the nickname Moodist which I have given myself.

 

abstract landscape by Colleen Rieu

“Fire in the Sky” acrylic, 12″ x 12″

 

When a painting I’m working on doesn’t give me the “feels” I can easily and without hesitation paint over it and start anew. Then, amazingly something wonderful can develop.

 

abstarct figurative painting by Colleen Rieu

“Blueman” acrylic, 12″ x 12″

 

Oddly, the paintings I fall hard for don’t always resonate with others and the ones that I feel miss the mark are a hit. Therefore, I don’t believe there is bad art. Every painting will have a lover or buyer eventually.

 

abstract landscape by Colleen Rieu

“The Meadow” acrylic, 12″ x 12″

 

I say just paint what makes you happy, and show the real you!

 

Artist Colleen Rieu invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

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