In the late 1950s, a series of paintings emerge capturing intimate human moments, either of solitary figures or between two individuals, who are often portrayed in isolation and in an ambiguous setting. These paintings are rich in movement and narrative, and as such can be seen as modern conversation pieces, inviting a range of interpretations and resisting neat characterisation. They offer glimpses into the lives of ordinary people and show Reckitt as a shrewd observer and recorder.

Reckitt continued to show an interest in people and their interactions in the 1960s. Through her evolving use of line and geometry, she created more angular figures, which are taken to further levels of abstraction.