Canvas Rebel online magazine

 https://canvasrebel.com/meet-cass-rees

You can click the link above in blue to see the interview or I have pasted it down below.

"Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cass Rees. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cass, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Art class was the only class I ever looked forward to in school. In my free time, I would paint with acrylics and completed around 20 paintings on canvas as a teenager and in my early 20s. It wasn’t even a thought that I would sell my paintings. Growing up in a small Massachusetts town, I always knew that I wanted to travel. After high school, I didn’t have much of a direction. I moved to New Orleans working as a peddicabber and in the food industry. It wasn’t until I was 24 and moved to Los Angeles that I discovered young successful full time artists on Instagram. That’s exactly when I knew that I wanted to pursue an art career. I felt instantly inspired and began painting with oil paint. When I wasn’t working or exploring my new city, I would paint. I’d hike in the Hollywood Hills with my dog, and we often passed a Spanish style house on our way up to the Hollywood Sign. One day, I felt compelled to paint the house in oil on a 30 x 40 inch canvas. I surprised myself that I could paint something that large with this new medium in which I had little experience and no training. Moving to Los Angeles has broadened my horizons and truly inspired me with its stunning landscapes and beaches. As a dedicated self taught artist, I have learned so much since I started to pursue an art career. I’ve learned a lot about contemporary artists, art history, painting large scale murals, techniques for painting with oil, net working and running a business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In June of 2018, I was in my first group art show on a rooftop in downtown Los Angeles. I showcased my Hollywood painting and a few other large oil paintings that I completed for the show. Despite the butterflies, there was a thrilling certainty that I was on the right track. I participated in a couple of small art fairs at the Anaheim Gardenwalk and was invited to paint my first mural for them in November of 2018. A year later, I took a risk and quit my catering job of 3 years to focus on my art. During that time, I also completed my second mural on Melrose Avenue. After quitting my job, I was painting everyday and working hard on my Beachy Peachy series. This series depicts beautiful women frolicking on tropical beaches in thick textured oil paint. The Beachy Peachys were extremely popular. That December, I sold my very first painting. Which was a commissioned Beachy Peachy by one of my new instagram followers. My second sale was “Beachy Peachy No. 8” also in the same month. In February of 2020, I was in two more group shows, “Chocolate and Art” and “Raw Artists”. I began exploring painting through my palette knife. It became an instant favorite, and I was producing a new painting each day of impasto seascapes. I started selling my paintings on eBay, offerUp, and Instagram. Since 2020, I have sold around 300 paintings. My artwork has been praised in many reviews on eBay as well as appreciation of my professional presentation and care of packaging.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Feeding my undeniable hunger to create and living out my true purpose. Every time I sell a painting it’s as if an extension of myself is now bringing joy and color to someone’s life. It’s incredibly fulfilling to now have such a unique bond with my clients through my work. Knowing my art is well-received fuels my creative energy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Being creative is not a choice for me; it’s an intrinsic drive. Its not only a hobby, a profession, or a meditative de-stresser; it’s who I am. When I don’t have the time to be creative, I am miserable. For someone who isn’t creatively inclined, understanding the constant flow of ideas and the pressure of limited time can be challenging. Every new season, trip to the beach, or hike in the mountains can spark a new idea, adding to my never ending inspiration. Artist blocks can also get in my way from pursuing a new idea. Sometimes, I have to step away for a month which is very difficult for me to do. I have a sense of guilt as time is precious for my abundance of ideas. When painting with my palette knife, I don’t know exactly how my painting is going to turn out. This tool can be unpredictable and abstract. That’s what makes it special, my seascapes and landscapes grow organically like nature itself."