Meet Reed Knauth | Floral and Botanical Watercolor Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reed Knauth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reed, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite quotes that I always turn to is this by Andy Warhol: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” ― Andy Warhol I think I speak for most artists when I say we over analyze our work A LOT. Our art is such a vulnerable part of us and often times our self doubt creeps in and gets in the way of us actually creating our soul work. Social media doesn’t help! This quote helps shift my thoughts and focus back to the art itself, my relationship with my art, what I’m trying to express, that this creative process isn’t about anyone else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I can not even tell you how many twists and turns it took to get where I am today! I enjoyed every bit of the struggle because it taught me SO much valuable insight about myself, my beliefs and what I’m MOST passionate about, which is what REALLY matters in the end. It’s not about what anyone else wants or what makes them happy it’s about how it makes YOU feel when you are doing it. My journey really started when I was super young….. I was constantly creating, whether it was paintings, jewelry or ceramics, etc. One of my favorite memories was when I was 9, I decided I wanted to have my own greeting card company. I even named it and made a logo and everything. You can tell SO much about your future aspirations by looking back at your younger self. Since then everything has always led me back to my art and design instincts. I have a degree in Graphic Design + Painting from UNCA Asheville and I moved to Atlanta post-college to attend Ad School at The Creative Circus for Design. It was a windy road for a minute, I created my own jewelry company for a little while, tried out the advertising world, and ultimately through a lot of trial and errors, I figured out my truth, my passion. Along the way I learned there was such a thing as a “textile designer.” The light bulb went on and I really began branching out into pattern design and learning about all these ways I could use and sell my original art – from greeting cards to home decor, even clothing. I’m super thankful for my graphic design path because not only is it financially supporting my second dream to be a working artist but it also makes it possible to design my own pattern content from scratch, brand my business and create my own photography. Over the years I’ve distinguished and mastered my style of painting with certain techniques that resonate with me deeply. My art today fully embraces my extreme love for color and organic shapes. When creating, Ive found I work best in an intuitive style of painting that evokes a certain amount of energy, movement and spontaneity. I’m best recognized for eccentric and vibrant color palettes, gestural marks, complicated patterns and various texture applications. As a textile designer I look heavily to radical trends in fashion design and the natural patterns in nature to inspire my creations. My focus almost exclusively stays with natural, organic, fluid elements (like botanicals), that have the ability to warp and evolve. My newest landscape and floral collections practice Japanese aesthetics and explore the principles of negative space – leaving the work slightly unfinished, thus inviting the viewer into the painting to actively complete it. The best advice I could give anyone is don’t stop creating! Even if it’s just something little daily, a small sketch, an idea, keep going. Also, stay true to your style. Try to identify the small habits you naturally make in your daily work/art to organically develop your signature style.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
These are always my favorite places to take people in town. I usually avoid super tourist spots, love earthy, ambient, bohemian places with chill vibes! Chill Outdoor Brunch with yummy drinks: Henrys FAVE Coffee Spot: Muchachos BYOB Brunch: Sun In My Belly Cute/Artsy Drinks before dinner: 8Arm Neighborhood drinks: Bon Ton CRAZY night out: Blakes Plant Shopping: Flora Fauna, The Victorian Sexy Dinners: Barcelona, Golden Eagle Walk around and take artsy pics: Goat Farm Kayaking: Shoot The Hooch Outdoor Yoga: Piedmont Park Seafood + Fancy drinks: The Optimist Favorite music venue: Terminal West Tapas + Salsa dancing: Eclipse Di Luna Day exploring: Cabbagetown (stacks murals) + Estoria 97 for cheap drinks, fun times Live music/brewery: Eventide Brewing Art Gallery night: ABV Gallery, Facet

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love this question! I would without a doubt not be here without the support and unique creative insights of my parents. Through the arts and nature, they’ve guided me through my artist path and shaped who I am today.

Website: www.rosebud-studios.com
Instagram: @rosebud.studios
Other: Society 6: https://society6.com/elizabeth_reed Email: hello@rosebud-studios.com

Image Credits
Leah Perry Photography