Artist Spotlight: Secret Weapon Creative

We get to know Brisbane artist Bree McDonald who is known for her love of a clean canvas and a continuous unbroken line. This year her art features on The Block AGAIN! 

Bree, how long have you been producing your art?
My love of art has been with me since I was a child. I travelled everywhere with a sketchbook in one hand and my trusty pencil in the other. Art was my favourite subject throughout school and I was fortunate enough to graduate with one of my paintings hung in The Art Gallery of Western Australia. After completing a degree in Advertising and Design at university, I enjoyed a few years of art direction in the agency world before starting my own independent creative design studio Secret Weapon Creative. My art love story amped up a couple of years ago when I officially branched out with my own exclusive print range to satisfy my desire for more creative freedom.

Brisbane artist Bree McDonald is known for her love of a clean canvas and a continuous unbroken line.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Usually, I come up with new concepts in the shower. I often draft my ideas on the steamed-up shower screen.

How long does it take you to create a piece?
Every piece is different. Some of my single line drawings are created in one go while others take multiple drafts to get ‘just right’. I can be a bit of a perfectionist so I need to know when to let go before I overwork it.

How would you describe your art?
An uncomplicated modern style.

How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
Interpreting something to look beautifully simple but on closer inspection, you start to see the intricate details within it.

Bree's prints 'Bloom' and 'Blossom' shine in Daniel and Jade's hallway.

How do you come up with a name for your artwork?
I hate to admit it, but I am not highly creative with my names. Usually, I am so excited to share my finished piece I name it on the spot while I am uploading it to the store. After being challenged with this question - I might need to consider them more!

Your art features on The Block this year? 
Jesse and Mel gave me a wonderful surprise last year (I didn’t know ‘Love’ was in their Master Ensuite until I was watching it live) and this year it has been such an honour to be part of Daniel and Jade’s journey. I am beyond grateful. I found out they were after a couple of my pieces when The Block Shop manager Harrie contacted me asking if I could get ‘Bloom’ and ‘Blossom’ printed and framed within a couple of days. Thankfully my printing team are based in Melbourne so it was full steam ahead and Jade picked up my art just in time for their room reveal.

In 2019 Bree's 'Love' nude print was featured in Jesse and Mel's Block Master Ensuite.

What does it mean for you to have your art featured on The Block and be a Block Shop artist?
It feels like winning the Lotto. As an artist, it is the highest compliment when somebody invests in your passion. Thank you, Jade, Daniel and The Block Shop crew from the bottom of my heart.

Where do you like to create your art?
I am fortunate enough to have my own studio within our home so it’s usually the hub for my creativity. Otherwise, you will find me painting at the dining table (so we have to eat dinner on our laps for a few nights) or using our deck's glass doors as lightboxes.

Describe your personal aesthetic?
The simpler the better. I love clean lines and classic pieces. We recently renovated our house and we used lots of white, natural timber and minimal but quality furnishings.

"I am fortunate enough to have my own studio within our home so it’s usually the hub for my creativity," Bree tells Insider Style.

Favourite holiday destination?
Where I grew up - Perth, Western Australia. Cottesloe Beach is my favourite place on earth.

What would you buy yourself from The Block Shop?
The art piece created for Deb & Andy's living space 'Jaanymili' by Miimi and Jiinda. Would love it for our dining room - our ‘meeting place’.

Fashion style icon?
Sass & Bide co-founder Heidi Middleton. Her original, creative and sustainable Artclub fashion is amazing. I may never get an opportunity to wear one of her pieces - but they are a visual feast.

Favourite house decorating trend?
Marble and stone in the kitchen, bathroom, used as coffee table tops and as decorative bowls and trays.

What is the most decadent thing in your house?
Building a dream ensuite when we recently renovated our home.

Favourite room in the house?
That’s an easy one, my oasis - my studio.

"Thankfully my printing team are based in Melbourne so it was full steam ahead and Jade picked up my art just in time for their hallway reveal," Bree tells The Block Shop.

If you could renovate your house again what would you do?
I would lift our house to capitalise on beautiful views of the Brisbane city skyline.

Favourite decor item in the house?
A vintage carved wooden opium table my Dad gave me (originally from his parents).

Shop Bree's stunning artwork HERE