Revisiting the Artwork of Christi Dreese
After recently writing about the artwork of Mark Mehaffey, I found myself thinking about another artist I was fortunate to represent during my years as a gallery owner—Christi Dreese.
Recently, Christi completed a large mural project in Spring Lake, Michigan, a reminder of the many ways artists contribute to their communities. Seeing images of the mural prompted me to revisit her website and spend time with one of my favorite paintings from a recent collection.
The painting captures a familiar Lake Michigan experience. The sun is setting. The water is constantly moving. Light dances across the surface, creating reflections that seem to change every second. It is a scene many of us along the lakeshore have witnessed, yet Christi finds a way to make it feel new.
One of the things I always appreciated about Christi’s work was her ability to communicate the feeling of a place. Her paintings are not simply records of a landscape. They are interpretations of a moment—how the light feels, how the water moves, and how a particular scene stays with us long after we have left it behind.
When I asked Christi why this particular painting remains one of her favorites, she shared:
“This is one of my favorite paintings from this collection. I love the bold contrast between the vibrant oranges and deep blues, the sense of movement in the water, and the way the light dances across the surface in shimmering reflections. It captures both the energy and quiet beauty of the lake at sunset.”
Her description perfectly explains why the painting is so successful.
The contrast between the warm oranges and deep blues immediately captures your attention. The color palette is bold without feeling overwhelming. The reflections stretch across the surface of the water, creating movement and leading the viewer through the composition. The painting feels alive.
What stands out to me most is the balance Christi achieves between energy and calm. The lake is in motion, yet there is a peacefulness to the scene. Anyone who has spent time along Lake Michigan understands this experience. The shoreline is constantly changing, but it also provides moments of reflection and stillness.
As someone whose own artwork is inspired by walks along the lakeshore, I find myself drawn to artists who pay close attention to the natural world. Christi’s paintings are rooted in observation, but they are equally rooted in emotion. She invites viewers to remember their own experiences with water, light, and place.
Over the years, Christi has continued to build a successful career through gallery exhibitions, commissions, healthcare installations, and now public art projects. Her recent mural in Spring Lake demonstrates how artists can bring beauty and connection to public spaces while remaining true to the themes that inspire their studio practice.
Looking through her current work, I am reminded why collectors responded so strongly to her paintings. They celebrate moments that are both familiar and fleeting—the changing colors of a sunset, the movement of water, and the way light transforms a landscape.
Artists such as Christi Dreese encourage us to slow down and pay attention.
If you find yourself along the Lake Michigan shoreline this summer, take a few extra minutes to watch the changing light on the water. You may discover the same energy and quiet beauty that Christi captured in this painting.
You can learn more about Christi and her current work at her website.
