Meet Rachel:

Twenty-five years ago, I had already walked away from art school once, convinced I should pursue something "practical" like nutrition. But there I was in my family's basement, painting into the early morning hours, when it hit me like a lightning bolt: I just had to paint. That moment changed everything. I quickly quit my classes and followed my brother to my dream art school where I majored in painting. After graduation, I moved to NYC and got my MFA, but still had some detours! There was that time I tried to be a health coach and taught cooking classes. Then, I spent two years in Jordan, and became the biggest of all, I became a mom. Through all of these times, I never lost my love for painting. Even after a six-year hiatus from my beloved oil paints when my kids were really little, I never lost the craving and itch to paint, and was so excited to get all of my paints and brushes back out that I almost cried. Now that I’m out of the sleepless nights phase of parenthood, I'm back and painting with the passion of someone who's finally found her way home.

From Basement Epiphanies to International Adventures

After earning my BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and my MFA from the New York Academy of Art, my path took an unexpected turn to Amman, Jordan, where my husband's work with the International Rescue Committee supporting Syrian refugees brought us for two years. It was there, while snorkeling in the Red Sea, that inspiration struck for my signature watercolor fish series—those delightfully striped and polka-dotted creatures that would eventually launch me into surface pattern design.

My painter BFF saw my fish paintings and said they'd be perfect for patterns. I thought I'd just turn those fish into designs and call it a day, but I fell in love with the whole process. Now I create original surface designs using my watercolor-first approach, painting each element by hand before digitally composing them into vibrant, cohesive patterns.

The Art of Making Things Look Touchable

My superpower? Making you want to reach out and touch my paintings. Whether it's following plaid lines through fabric folds, capturing the intricate patterns on Jordanian camel blankets, or painting portraits that don't just look like someone but feel like them, I'm obsessed with texture, form, and authentic representation. I love making paintings look so real you could touch them, and it's especially evident in my portrait work—I usually have paintings in progress of each of my kids, constantly honing my ability to capture not just individual characteristics but the essence of who they are.

My color palette is unapologetically vibrant—think rich cadmium hues mixed to chromatic perfection. No muddy earth tones here; I'm all about that color joy that makes you stop scrolling and smile.

Island Life Meets Artistic Hustle

These days, I call Vashon Island, Washington home, where I'm raising two kids with my supportive husband. When the kids are at school, I treat my art like the serious business it is—music blaring, paintbrush in hand, working five days a week in my island studio.

From observing light falling on everyday objects to photographing local flora for future surface designs, I find inspiration everywhere. My portrait work is particularly compelling—I'm drawn to subjects with interesting patterns in their clothing or surroundings, always seeking that perfect balance between technical accuracy and emotional authenticity. My recent surface design work spans from elegant kitchen wares and bedding-perfect botanicals to preteen-friendly themes like that retro roller skating birthday collection that's absolutely meant for gift wrap and greeting cards.

Ready to Create Magic Together

Whether you're an art director seeking that perfect blend of sophisticated realism and playful pattern work, or a licensor looking for designs that feel both fresh and timeless, I bring technical skill, international perspective, and infectious enthusiasm to every project.

Connect with me:

• Instagram: @rachel.fritz.watson

• Based in: Vashon Island, Washington

Currently seeking portrait commissions and licensing opportunities for both surface designs and fine art prints with companies that appreciate colorful, authentic artistry with serious technical chops.