Friesian Horse Art - My Newest Watercolor Painting!

Hi all, it's been so crazy with my art, I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while!  I'm doing a special promotion for Cyber Monday.  Just go to my etsy store and you can get any $25 half off by entering the coupon code HOHO4U!

Here's one of my latest paintings....

Click here to view on Etsy!

You can go on Facebook if you'd like to see more of my art, works in progress and adventures at www.facebook.com/rachelsstudiodotcom

African American Art - a watercolor of a St. Thomas Couple

 This is the second time I've painted this couple - I saw them near the beach in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands where my brother got married. Click here to view the original on Etsy.

Cross Eyed Siamese Cat Art

Heee Heeeeeeeeee Doesn't this guy make you laugh?  I used to have a cross-eyed Siamese so I have a soft spot for them.  And lately, with all the challenges in my life, I need some levity.  My Smoky would one up this guy though - he would have his eyes crossed AND his tongue hanging out.  Hilarious.

For prints, click here

Aaaaaaaaaand my last days of summer

Here are the paintings I'm working on right now...

For a special project I'll let you know more about as it unfolds...

I'm on a 'painting cross-eyed siamese' tangent right now.  I think it's because there have been several upsets in my personal life lately, so it really helps to have something to laugh at.  I hope this guy makes you laugh too!

This is a commission

This is almost done I think!

Gotta have fun with an abstract once in a while.

New "Great Tit" Painting - Watercolor Art

I just finished this "Great Tit" bird watercolor painting.  I am back working in the schools as a social worker - my summer is officially over.  So now I'll be burning the midnight oil to get my painting done. Also, my dad just had surgery AND my water heater blew a gasket and flooded my kitchen floor.  So my house is completely torn up.  And yet, I paint.  It's been a crazy July!  So much so that I took a little trip to the North Caroline mountains.  Visit my travel4zen blog to see some pics!

Click on the painting to see the listing on Etsy.  If you would like a print, click here.

Be sure to follow me at www.twitter.com/rachels_studio for tips on how to pick good pictures for a reference photo!

I also offer an online "Learn Watercolor" blog.  It's $30 for 3 months and it's mostly videos.  It's like watching me paint over my shoulder as I explain my process.  Message me if you're interested in joining!

My first day of summer = a perfect painting day!

It's official: my summer has started!  I work as a school social worker, so I have the summers off.  While I LOVE my "real" job, it's so wonderful to have a change of pace and completely focus on my art, family, and fun!  Today, I'm working on two commissions, a cat painting for a special project, editing my videos for my "Learn Watercolor" blog, planning for a trip to Hot Springs, Virginia, and playing chase with my cat.

This painting is for a special 'secret' project.  If it works out I'll share more details!!  I've been videoing the entire process.

This is for a commission.  I've videoed the entire process of painting this guy and will be putting it on my "Learn Watercolor" blog.  I've got three other paintings videoed in their entirety, complete with my explanations as I go, posted there.  If you're interested in joining, message me!

Another cat commission, newly started!

I recently complete this guy, and videoed him for my "Learn Watercolor" blog too.

Be sure to follow me on twitter to learn tons of watercolor tips, art resources, and see latest creations!

Here's one of my upcoming adventures; I'm going to the "Jefferson Pools" in Hot Springs, Virginia.  Thomas J himself took the waters here, and I will too, soon!  It looks much the same as it did in his day, and although it's not fancy, it's a fun way to experience some history.  To follow my travels more closely, come visit me on Twitter at travel4zen.

My trip to Japan...

As many of you may know, I recently went on a trip to Japan.  If you didn't know, you should follow me on Facebook or on my two Twitter accounts Rachels_Studio or Travel4Zen!  To watch all the videos of my trip (and there are more coming) visit my Travel4Zen blog!

New Forest Painting - Nature Art!

I just finished this piece - and already sold it too - I had started it over a year ago and it got lost in my other projects, and then someone emailed me asking if I had any forest paintings so I finished this one just for her    : )

Prints are available by clicking here

What would you like me to paint next?  I'm doing a song bird right now.  Maybe more birds?  Hmmmmmmmm.  What are you working on?  Send me a comment : )

New Racehorse Watercolor Painting - Racing Art!

Part of the fun of painting is the opportunity to get a glimpse into other people's lives, and have a share in it, even if for a short while.  My relationship with the future owner of this painting, Doug, began several years ago when he contacted me to do the first painting of his winning horse, Sassy.  Not normally a gambling man, Doug was desperate; his daughter was ill and he faced mounting medical bills that he had no way of paying.  After much research, he took his last bit of savings and bet it all on the chestnut you see in the painting above.  She won and Doug was able to pay his daughter's medical bills.  Sassy was their hero.

A couple years later I received a surprise email from Doug again.  He shared that he had found out that Sassy was up for auction, and not the good kind either.  After a bit of a bidding war, he bought Sassy and saved her from certain death.  Now they were mutual heroes!  I love to tell this story and I love to be a part of it, even if in a small way, by commemorating Sassy and her amazing story through my art.  I hope you enjoy the painting!

New Applehead Siamese Cat Art - "Applehead in Repose" Watercolor Painting

This is a new painting I did of a picture I fell in love with on Facebook. I love the delicate look in this kitty's eyes.

This is available on my website by clicking here. Be sure to contact me if you want a different size or would prefer a giclée.

Come Visit Me!

March 23-24 I'll be participating in Open Studios, an event hosted by 701 Center for Contemporary Art  in Columbia SC.  The event is free to the public and is a great way to get to know local artists, who will be opening their studio spaces (including me).  Come visit!  

DATE AND TIME
The event is from 10am - 6pm on Saturday, March 23 & 12pm-6pm on Sunday, March 24.

PRICE
This event is free for the public.

You can also download the entire guide off the 701 CCA website so you can plan your route for visiting the other artists' studios that strike your interest: 
http://www.701cca.org/2013-columbia-open-studios-guide/  

For any other FAQ about 701 CCA Columbia Open Studios, visit:
http://www.columbiaopenstudios.org 

Spread the word! Invite your friends to the Facebook events!

Columbia Open Studios Preview Party, March 21:
http://www.facebook.com/events/453444471364782/ 

Columbia Open Studios, March 23-24:
http://www.facebook.com/events/160212477450109/


Hope to see everyone there!

Online INFORMATION

 

701 CCA Open Studios Website w/guide and map: 

http://www.columbiaopenstudios.org/

 

Online Interactive Map: http://www.701cca.org/map-columbia-open-studios-2013

 

Online Program Guide: http://www.701cca.org/2013-columbia-open-studios-guide

 

701 CCA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/701CCA

 

Twitter Handle: @701cca 

Here's a commission I just finished.  I love how the eyes came out!  If you'd like to purchase a print, click here.