Background & Education

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.