New Art - Hunter Jumper Equestrian Painting

My summer is officially over - I work in a school as a social worker and it's time to go back; no more long days of painting! For fear of lack of time, I've been trying to finish up some equine paintings for a show in November. I've got two more that need finishing touches now that this one is done.

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New Zebra Watercolor Painting

I love the contours in this painting, and I want to do this same zebra a few times with different colors and backgrounds. Thank you, Giovanni Mari at www.giovannimari.com for allowing me to use your gorgeous picture!

New Racehorse painting

This is for a show I'll be doing in November in Camden, SC at the Art Center...

11"x14"

"Race Day"

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New Minimalist Abstract Paintings

My work as a social worker puts me in touch with the most raw emotions of human agony. When I create my work, I seek sanctuary, and creating abstracts deliver that like few other pursuits can. Inspiration comes from a few of my icons - Matisse (crisp color, clean lines, and elegant fresh simplicity), Donald Judd - the amazing minimalist whose work instantly puts me in a state of zen, Agnes Martin, who reminds me to just breathe to find my bliss, and grandfather Rothko - in front of his work, I almost feel like I can float! I hope, when you spend time with my abstracts, that you discover your own sense of peace.

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New Panda Watercolor Painting

Since I was little I've always felt a connection to animals. I'm convinced that animals have souls, and I try to capture that in my work. When you look into the eyes of an animal, you get a glimpse of that mystery. Hopefully that glimpse will bring peace, and a sense of connection to the greater world, both human, animal, and spiritual, that is every where, every day, just waiting to be noticed. I hope my art serves as a reminder of these things, and celebrates the sanctity of such simple but profound truths.

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Prints are also available at www.rachelsstudio.com

Palomino Morning - an original equine watercolor painting

I love the contours of the equine form - I think it may be in my blood; I was born in Lexington, Kentucky. As a child I lived in front of a huge horse farm. I would sit in my back yard looking forlorn and bored until the owners would come invite me to hang out with the horses. After that I was hooked! I grew up doing small shows, riding bareback to the nearby lake, and even riding to work at, you guessed it, a stable. Horses saved me during those years, and I still love their smell, watching them move, and painting them. Even though I don't have horses right now, I still need to get my fix, only now, it's through art. I hope you enjoy my little painted celebrations of all things equestrian!

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Prints also available

Siamese Cat Watercolor Painting

I don't know what it is about painting siamese cats, but I can't get enough! I'm sure it's those incredible eyes, which reflect their quirky personalities, intelligence, and warm heartedness. My best friend was once a siamese cat. He would lie on my chest with his purring chin on mine, and we would fall asleep that way. I remember thinking at that moment that this was the most blissful I could possibly be. I hope whomever buys this painting treasures it as a momento and celebration of all the wonderfullness that is the siamese cat!

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Thank you for your donations!

Thank you to all who donated this year to my kids fund. I am a school social worker, and the needs are always overwhelming, but your donations have helped. Things I used the money for include glasses, shoes, field trip money, graduation items, emergency food, and gas for medical appointments. If you would like to donate, there is a "donate" button on this blog in the top right corner. Thank you so much!!!!

Painting of a Gelada Baboon from Ethiopia

Aaaaaaaaaah, I love summer - I have time to finish paintings! This is of a Gelada Baboon from Ethiopia. Thank you to Giovanni Mari for the reference photo!

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Finished another commission...

Just finished this one - I'm sorry I haven't been around for a while! I've been working on getting my private practice license for social work - my 'other' job. Hopefully this summer I'll be painting a lot more. I have several commissions I have to finish and then I'll be working on some things that I enjoy painting.

New Commissions finished!!

I've been getting TONS of commissions, and now my waiting list extends into the summer, so it's been crazy! Here are a few I finished recently...

New Foxhunting Art - an original watercolor

This is a painting I just finished that will be part of my Camden, SC show February 12, 12-6 PM at The Garden Gate Gallery. Camden, along with Aiken, is horse country in South Carolina. I'd love to see you there!

"16 x 20"

I haven't come up with a name yet, so all you foxhunting enthusiasts help me out!

Finished Gina's winning painting!

I finished painting part of Gina's winning photo, now I just have to finish her Maine Coon!

Gina's Siamese
10" x 8"

Here's the original photo...

My version of the bubble ball light...

Thanks to a great idea I found on the blog Small Notebook - I decided to venture forth on creating my own bubble ball light!

Art Show...

Tonight, Pocket Productions did their Digital Graffiti show - they projected local artists' work on an icon of Columbia, SC; the Adluh Flower building. They'll be projecting on Thursday January 7 at 7 PM above S & S Art Supply, so come join the fun if you're in town! These pictures show a couple of my images that they presented.

A couple things I'm working on today...

Did you think I forgot? I didn't! I'm FINALLY starting the winner of the last poll. I've actually taken one picture and turned it into two - I thought both cats were so beautiful they deserved some individual attention. Here's what I've gotten done today...

Click on the pictures to see larger versions

Giraffe Art

I've been itching to do a large version of this giraffe ever since I did a mini study, and I've finally finished it. This giraffe lives in Nairobi at Giraffe Manor. I'd love to visit some day!

"Giraffe and Sky"
20" x 13"

Suffolk Punch Art and more

I'm lovin' my winter break - getting a ton of commissions done, including these...

I didn't get this one's jaw wrong - it is crooked from being shot, poor thing!

These are Suffolk Punch draft horses.

Tuxedo and Friend Watercolor Painting

I'm finally finding time to complete some paintings, now that I'm off for Christmas break. I'm hoping to get several commissions finished and a couple I've been doing for fun before I go back to work. Here's the latest...

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Thank you to Geonetix for his wonderful photography!

Come Cruise with me!

In December, 2011, I'll be cruising and teaching watercolor. I'd love for you to come join me! I'll be teaching beginning watercolor the Dec 23 sailing of Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. We'll be exploring Cozumel, Grand Caymen, and Falmouth, Jamaica. They have me scheduled to teach three sessions, but if I get additional students I may do some additional plein aire sessions at the different ports.