Rachel's Studio Blog

Monday, June 30, 2008

Click to view on eBay

Sunday, June 29, 2008

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!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Click to bid on eBay!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

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

Sunday, June 22, 2008

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

Saturday, June 21, 2008

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

Thursday, June 19, 2008

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

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

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

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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?

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

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...

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

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/

Monday, April 09, 2007

Busy Spring Break!!

Hi everyone! It's been a busy Spring break for me - I'm about to become a homeowner for the first time. It's perfect for painting - I'll have a studio that overlooks a serene pond - hopefully that will provide some good inspiration! It's not set in stone yet, as the closing is May 18th. Wish me luck! Here's a picture...

Here's the latest on my work
in progress...
I added a couple washes. First I wet the whole coin, then drop in some cobalt, and then some black for the silver coins. With watercolor, the water does the work and creates interesting textures and patterns as it dries.

These paintings are available
at www.rachelsstudio.com/sale.htm

Here's my mom's latest...

Click Here to visit EBay for this painting!

Visit my website at www.rachelsstudio.com

Sunday, March 25, 2007

New Painting in Progress

These Originals are available at www.rachelsstudio.com/sale.htm

Original available here.
Scroll to the bottom for the newest paintings once you get there.

Here's a new work in progress!

I thought it would be fun to do a still life, so here goes! I chose these coins because of the challenge of all the little details, plus, I think they make an interesting design