I LOVE doing abstracts; what started as an attempt to get rid of excess paint on a blank canvas turned into this - once I started I couldn't stop! I get mesmerized by colors and how they play off each other

This is a work in progress and will be for Karin, my travel partner. She paid for hotel rooms in Italy in exchange for paintings of her cats.

Another work in progress, a commission

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...