I'm so sorry I've been MIA lately - I've had tons of commissions to get done, and never enough time! Here are a few things I've been working on...

"Big Boy" - a commission

"Tabby" - another commission

"Joe" - commission; almost done

"Hunt Horse Hounds"

After months of work, I'm finally done! This one is big, and you can see more details by clicking on the picture to see it on eBay.

"Pekingnese II" - Click to go to eBay

"Sadie Silhouette"
8" x 10"

Detail

I just don't get ugly, sad, pain-radiating art. I never could put my finger on exactly why, other than the obvious repulsion. Maybe it is someone's truth, so I don't want to knock it, and I want to be clear that I don't disapprove.

Mmmmmm, comforting

I just don't get it. Lately I've gotten a little more clarity about what DOES appeal to me about art, and it always has something to do with beauty. I've been studying different spiritual philosophies, including Buddhism and "The Secret". These have had a powerful effect on how I view life and art. In Buddhism, it is said that one should live completely in the moment by being aware.

Even baby Buddhas are aware, apparently! (And talented)

I think travel and art are two things that forces people into this state. You take in every detail with not just awareness, but awe. The senses are heightened and amazement is imparted by what would otherwise be mundane - crickets chirping, the locals, the trees, the architecture. Art forces us to be aware too.

Steve Mills shows how it is done - the every day reveals the sublime. www.stevemillsoriginals.com

Why is a painting of every day objects so appealing, for example? It forces us to really look at that which we usually do not. And not only that, but we are forced to see the beauty, aka God's genius, right there in front of us. It invites us to gasp at the every day. Also, when I look at something of beauty, it reminds me of the Creator's perfection. I truly believe that there is a great spiritual depth to beauty - it is God's symbol that the sublime truly exists, and the beauty is proof if you don't believe.

I'm good in bed - I can sleep for days!

In the past, I've been defensive about painting what I love: the simple things (cats, cute dogs, etc etc). But I hope they make you gasp and remember that there are miracles to be observed every day, and they are sitting right in front of you if you just look.

Just finished this one...

Cool video

Happy 4rth of July!!!

Click to view on eBay

This will start tonight at 7 pm tonight, and if you buy it now, you get free shipping!

This painting will go up for auction tonight at 7 PM...click to bid!

Click to bid on eBay!

My brother and his family are visiting from California, so it's been crazy, but I did manage to get this one done...

Click the picture to inquire

New Painting up for bidding! Click the picture...

Click picture to inquire

"Egret"
8" x 10" Watercolor

Detail

Just finished this painting this morning - Inquiries are welcome by clicking on the picture

"Tuckered Two"
8" x 10"

Detail

Click on the painting - this one is up for auction!

What I'm working on...

I've put some things up for sale on http://www.rachelsstudio.com/sales.htm

Here's a sneak peak of a piece I'm working on...

This painting is bigger than what I usually do - 18" x 24"

Detail

Here's what I finished today...they will be on eBay soon!

Click on each painting to see it on eBay

When life gets crazy, I often escape into abstracts. I love to let the paint and water flow, with no definite plan, and let serendipity be the guide for how a painting evolves. There are always wonderful surprises!

Sometimes life brings the unexpected. This painting explores the balance between chaos and calm, and the challenge to slow down, take a deep breath, and find beauty even when the world seems to be swirling too fast around you.

I created this work from a photo I took in the Great Smoky National Forest. I love the sense of calm walking in the woods imparts, and I hope this painting brings you that same peace.

And of course, what is more soothing than a purring feline?

Mountain Painting

I've been working on a painting from the trip I took to the Smoky Mountains. I haven't decided if it's done yet, so give me some feedback! The original picture is in an earlier blog post.

Here's a detail...

Finally, a vacation!

Hi Everyone! It's been forever since I've been able to post anything on my blog. Buying a house and getting a new job tend to keep me busy. Plus, I've been getting tons of commissions, which is wonderful, but my blog has suffered because of it. I recently went on a little road trip to the Great Smoky National Park. It's a world heritage site, it's right in my back yard, and I've never been there!

I spent the first day in Asheville at the Grove Park Inn spa. It's rated in the top ten spas in the nation for architecture by spafinder.com, with good reason. Built during the arts and crafts era, it's a classic example of this beautiful style of architecture. There are several different types of ways to 'take the waters', including warm pools with waterfalls that provide "au natural' shoulder massage, pools that have underwater music, and a frigid plunge pool (very invigorating!) There's also an outdoor pool that is VERY warm; you can enjoy the gorgeous mountain views even in the middle of the winter.

The first night I stayed at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. (Grove Park $300, Biltmore $140, hmmmmmmmmmm)

Just like in the good ole days, there are plenty of horses to enjoy for an equine freak like me!

Cows on Biltmore Estate

On the grounds of the Inn

The second night I stayed at Folkestone Inn. It was rated #1 B&B on tripadvisor.com, with good reason; complimentary home made cookies, sodas, a huge library, and a homey atmosphere makes you feel like you're at grandma's house in the mountains, not an inn. The best part is its location. Just two miles away is an entrance to the park, where I took the photos below. There is also a train in town that you can ride through the mountains. (My plan for the next trip)

For me, a highlight was a leisurely walk down this trail in the Great Smoky National Park. This is the Deep Creek Trail, north of Bryson City. It's a flat trail along a river that soon passes a waterfall. The picture of the falls is below. I wanted to go on a more strenuous hike, but I was alone and a storm was rolling in. Gives me a good excuse to go back!

The best part of this trip? TONS of inspiration for new paintings!

I love the sculptural element in these trees.

Tom Branch Falls - very easy to reach!

A view off the Appalachian Parkway

I think this will be my first painting : )

Visit my website at http://www.rachelsstudio.com/