Rachel's Studio Blog

Christmas Commissions...

2011-12-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

Here is what I've been working on for Christmas commissions, and why you haven't heard much from me! Between painting, keeping up with my teaching blog, and my other life as a social worker, there's a reason I haven't posted in a while.

Here's a little snippet of video about painting this sparrow. I used this painting in my latest online "learn watercolor" blog to demonstrate my techniques. I videoed myself painting the ENTIRE thing, along with explanations as I painted. If you'd like to sign up for my blog, send me a message to learn how!

Unfortunately, I forgot to do a final scan of this one, but it's at the stage right before I put in the final details. The eyes are pretty much done here though.

This little Collie puppy painting became a necklace. Again, I forgot to take a picture of the final piece. Drrrrrrrr, too much going on for one artist to handle!!!

Original Watercolor Painting of an Owl

2011-10-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

What is it with me and owls lately? This is the second one in the past month! I think they're so mysterious and gorgeous. I had one follow me for several blocks when I went out walking at dusk a while ago. It's a haunting feeling to have a bird of prey track you. Maybe I looked tasty? Maybe my totem was choosing me. Hmmmmm.

Click Here to go to eBay Auction

As a thank you to my patrons, I'm going to offer this one as an auction for a lower price than I would normally start with. I hope you all enjoy!

Watercolor Lesson, Tutorial, and Work in Progress

2011-10-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with a private, separate blog I am developing to teach watercolor lessons and tutorials online, I'm offering some free work-in-progress demonstrations on this blog. If you are interested in taking watercolor lessons with me online, please email me to learn how to do so! I'll be offering many new videos of me demonstrating watercolor techniques, explaining my supply list in more depth, and sharing some of my favorite online resources that I have accumulated over the years. I'll cover basics about how to use watercolor paint, how to compose a painting, how to fix mistakes, and everything else related to painting watercolors!

This is the very beginning stage of the painting. I like to make a sort of map, especially on complex paintings, because I tend to get lost as I get engrossed in the process of painting. As you can see here, I've used paint to delineate where highlights are, along with whites, darks, and everything in between. This is especially important when you're painting animals or people, because you need to get the anatomy in all the right places. If you don't start out with a "map" at the very beginning, it's easy to get things wrong later. You do most of the hard work before you even start a painting, composing and planning the painting. That process will be discussed in much more depth in my teaching blog.

Here, I've put quite a bit of detail in the eye. When I'm painting animals, it's helpful for me to add the eye because it brings the painting alive. For some reason, that keeps me more committed to and excited about the painting. It is perfectly acceptable to put in SOME details even in this early stage if they're in areas that won't need to be re-worked. Also, it is common teaching that you should put in darks last. But if there are very dark parts to your painting, you can put them in at the very beginning to help establish your 'map'.

Here I've refined some of the complex musculature of the horse's face. This is where some knowledge of anatomy can come very in handy.

Here, I've added a lot of details and the mid tones that give this painting more life. I also added the background. Initially, I made the background very dark, almost black. It was done wet in wet, where I wet the whole background and dropped in lots of different dark colors. Later, I decided that it was too flat black, and scrubbed some out and added some greens to give it more life. Also, green is a great contrast to the reddish color of the horse, and I thought that would help the horse glow more. This is a good example of the importance of thoroughly thinking through your painting BEFORE you paint. I could have saved myself some time if I would have thought more about the background before I started.

Here, I've added some white highlights to really enhance the appearance of the horse being bathed in beautiful light. This is always a fun stage of the painting, when everything starts to come together and you re-discover what made you paint this image in the first place (It can get scary there in the middle stages, when all the tones are similar and it looks like this your painting might be headed to the trash can, right?)

Done! Here's the finished painting. I put in last details, changed the background to add more color, and did a few washes of blue over the foreground (the haunches and withers of the horse) to help tie the horse to the background and pull the whole image together. This is a painting I did for a show in Camden, SC at the Arts Centre, all of November 2011.

New Siamese Kittens Artwork...

2011-10-20T03:52:00.001-07:00

It's getting chilly here in South Carolina! Time for a cuddle...

See in my Etsy shop...

This would make a great Christmas gift for a Siamese cat lover!

New Christmas Siamese Cat Art

2011-10-17T16:19:00.001-07:00

Here's the painting I did for this year's Siamese Rescue Center Christmas card...

The original is available here!

New Originals - as Jewelry!

2011-10-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is my latest obsession - miniature paintings that are encased in pendants! They are covered with protective resin and make wonderful conversation pieces.

Click here to visit my shop and see these and more!

New Book - Catitudes!

2011-10-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Christmas! This is the perfect gift for a cat lover, especially a siamese cat lover. I paired my paintings with quotes that are either directly about cats, or remind me of a cat's attitude (thus the name Catitudes). Click here to buy your own limited edition book. I'll only be printing 100!

Click on the images to see bigger pictures

Finished commission of an Andalusian

2011-10-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Just finished this painting for a client and friend. It's of her beautiful Andalusian, Solero.

New Siamese Cat Original Painting

2011-09-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

12" x 12"

"Getting Comfy"

Click here to inquire

Flags of Cats and Dogs

2011-09-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

A few months back a company contacted me to put some of my art on their flags. Here is the end result - So excited! They are listed on Etsy.

New Art - Siamese Cat Watercolor Painting

2011-08-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

This particular painting is a quick study I did - I was playing with one of my favorite combinations of watercolors - french ultramarine + winsor orange. When combined they make the most beautiful granulating violet. LOVE!

Click here for purchase details

This is a watercolor painting of my friend Karin's kitty. To see more of her work visit karin_from_zurich on webshots.com

New humorous cards...

2011-08-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

I hope these bring a smile to a few faces...

Click here for more details

New Ways to Live with Rachel's Art...Bags!

2011-08-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

I can put any image from eBay or www.rachelsstudio.com on any three of these bags. To order one of these, go to http://www.cafepress.com/rachels_studio

New equestrian art - Friesian Horse Watercolor

2011-08-13T15:40:00.001-07:00

Since I've been back to work, I've been getting up at 5:30 am so I can paint before I go to work. Here's the fruit of my labors!

Click here to inquire

New Art - The Eiffel Tower, Paris

2011-08-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

I ADORE traveling. Unfortunately, between my busy schedule and tight budget, I don't get to go nearly as much as I'd like to. One place I'd love to visit is the Louvre in Paris. So when I'm yearning for a trip, I'll get on Google Streetview and 'walk' around. I found this wonderful spot along the Seine and decided it must be painted - the Eiffel Tower, or as the French would say, 'La Tour Eiffel'. To learn how to say it, click here. Isn't it fun to try to learn to speak French? (For me, emphasis on TRY) ; )

This will go on eBay tonight at 10 PM Eastern here.

New Art - Hunter Jumper Equestrian Painting

2011-08-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Click here to inquire

New Zebra Watercolor Painting

2011-07-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

11"x14"

"Race Day"

Click here to inquire

New Minimalist Abstract Paintings

2011-07-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Click here to bid on eBay!

New Panda Watercolor Painting

2011-07-12T19:47:00.001-07:00

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.

To inquire, click here

Prints are also available at www.rachelsstudio.com

Palomino Morning - an original equine watercolor painting

2011-07-11T11:49:00.001-07:00

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!

Click Here to Inquire

Prints also available

Siamese Cat Watercolor Painting

2011-07-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

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!

Click here to inquire

Thank you for your donations!

2011-06-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

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!

For inquiries, click here

Finished another commission...

2011-06-13T06:18:00.001-07:00

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!!

2011-04-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-01-17T15:08:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-01-13T01:46:00.001-08:00

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...

2011-01-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-01-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-12-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T11:50:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

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...

Click here to view on my website

Thank you to Geonetix for his wonderful photography!

Come Cruise with me!

2010-12-18T06:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Christmas Shoes!

2010-11-15T17:16:00.001-08:00

I had someone special order these shoes from me...

Cute aye? I made them with my painting "First Snow".

Great book for dog lovers!

2010-11-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

My cat and dog art will be featured in this book...

I even made the front cover with "Hunt Horse Hounds" : )

It's available on Amazon, where you can look through many of the pages and read tons of cute quotes about dogs.

Commission Done!

2010-11-11T16:51:00.001-08:00

For the final phase of the painting, I took a light wash of blue paint and washed it over the entire lower third of the painting to tie his jeans to the background grass and to soften this areas as it's not the center of interest. I also darkened the grass under the subject to anchor the painting and give it more depth.

"Myrtle Beach Tees" watercolor painting

2010-11-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

When I lived near Myrtle Beach I used to love to go take pictures of the night life. I worked on this little painting for four years. Sometimes paintings are like good wine, they need to sit. This painting has a lot of thought put into it. I was trying to capture that neon glow that is the essence of Myrtle Beach night life!

"Myrtle Beach Tees"
8" x 10"
Click here for purchase information

New Watercolor Painting - Tortoise Shell Cat

2010-11-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

"On the Fence"
10" x 8"
Click here for purchase info

I just finished this one; it's from a picture I took over the summer while doing a show in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Thanks Babs, for letting me visit your gorgeous farm! Both the original and prints are available.

Work in Progress - Bonnie's Commission

2010-10-31T04:19:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to do a 'works in progress' for those of you who paint so you can see my progression through the painting process. Below is a picture of "Don". His wife is giving this to him for Christmas.

The painting starts with a blank piece of paper with a pencil drawing. I first add masking fluid to the parts that I want to keep white until the very end, such as eye sparkles. The only areas I masked on this painting were the dog's eye sparkle, his claws, and the shoe laces. This makes it easier to paint around those areas and not worry about saving the white of the paper. I then lay in the first wash by wetting the section I want to work on. In this painting I did a few sections; his face, the dog, the background, the clothes, and his boots. For his face, I wet all the areas except those where the sun hit him. Then I dropped in various colors - warm in the sun lit areas and cooler colors in the shaded areas. The second section was the background. Again, I kept the hat and face dry, and moistened the rest of the paper, then dropped in yellows and greens. For the first layers of most paintings, I work wet in wet, which keeps everything soft.
You can see at this stage I also did his shirt and pants as one large area for the first wash. I got the whole thing wet except for where the sun hits it, then dropped in different colors of blue, green and yellow. It's good to use more than one color in these first washes as they add interest and keep the painting from looking flat.

In the picture below I added more detail to the dog. I got the whole dog wet, then, with thicker but moist paint, added some of his stripes on his body and markings on his face.

Below I added the pocket details. Working with a less wet paper, but still moist to keep things soft, I used a little bit thicker paint for the lines of the seams. To get the right moisture on the paper, I use a nice sable brush and squeeze out the water so it's not dripping, but still has plenty of water in it. I run this over the areas I want to add soft details.

Although the picture below was after the picture above, you'll notice the dog's muzzle is lighter. I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser pads, the ones you find in the grocery store cleaning aisle, to 'erase' some of the paint. They don't have any harmful chemicals in them and are perfectly safe for painting.
Here I've added the first wash to the boot. I try to do the 'first wash' and maybe the 'first soft detail' step on each section before I progress to the final stage of the painting to put in the fine details, which I often do mostly on dry paper. Stay tuned for the final stages of this painting!

To see some painting tutorials, click here. Click on uploads and you'll be able to scroll down to see the tutorials. I have over 20 posted.

And another commission finished...

2010-10-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Trying to get through all these to clear my plate for Christmas commissions!

Finished a large commission

2010-10-28T16:02:00.001-07:00

This is Maggie and Mandie - a huge 32x38 inch commission I just finished.

Paws for Charity Calendar

2010-10-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked it out already - visit the Paws for Charity Blog or lulu.com to buy a 2011 calendar! I'm in there somewhere : ) Proceeds support breast cancer research, a cause near and dear to my heart as my paternal grandmother had it.

"Fox" Watercolor Painting

2010-10-08T10:26:00.001-07:00

I finally finished this painting - after many attempts at finishing it! This is one of several commissions I've been trying to get done. Click on the picture to view it on my website. Thank you so much to Carolyn Seaton for letting me use her gorgeous image!

Congratulations Gina!!!

2010-10-02T22:57:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Gina, your beautiful cats won!

Pine Mountain Painting

2010-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a commission of Pine Mountain, Georgia I just finished. I went there over the summer and had a show at Cat's Meow, the store at the very left end of the painting. You can click on the picture to view a larger version.

Vote for Rachel's next painting!

2010-10-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but at long last, here's another poll! I'll end it in 24 hours, Saturday night around 10 pm. The winner will get their picture painted and a free print. If you'd like to enter the next contest, enter your photo HERE.

Also, if you're anywhere near Irmo, SC this Sunday, Oct 3, come see me at Saluda Shoals Unearth at 1 pm. It's only $5 and the Lake Murray Symphony will be there, along with several other bands, musicians and artists. For more info, visit HERE.
It should be a lot of fun and I'd love to see you there! I'll be painting : )

A few other dates to remember include October 8th - I'll be at Wingard's Nursery to help raise money for LICS. Click HERE for more info. Then October 16 I'll be at the SC State Fair from 11 am to 8 pm selling my prints. Look for me near the art exhibits and the Cantey building; I'll be outside in the Gazebo.

October is going to be crazy!! Remember, my prices for commissions go up in November, so if you'd like a museum quality piece of art that will last generations, now is the time to do it.

Zebra Painting and more wildlife!

2010-08-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

I miss painting for a whole days, but I must admit I love my day job too (school social worker). I've gone back to work full time, as you can tell by my scanty blog posts. Here's the latest...

"Zebra x 2"
15" x 20"
Click Here to Inquire
Thank you to Giovanni at www.flickr.com/photos/giovannimari/ for letting me use his gorgeous picture!!

"Flamingo Mini"
2" x 2.5"
Click here to Inquire
Thank you so much to Matt for his photo.
Visit him at www.flickr.com/photos/matthewmannphotography/

New Original Black Cat Painting

2010-08-14T15:18:00.001-07:00

Sadie is SUCH a diva and she demands that I paint her often.

Click Here to Inquire!

This is a detail view
"Sadie with Red Curtains"
10" x 8"

My apologies...

2010-08-08T14:47:00.001-07:00

Woops! I credited the wrong person for my last foxhunt painting. Thank you so much to Clive Bowsher at www.flickr.com/photos/clodhopperfotos for letting me use his photo!

"A Woman's Thoughts" Original Watercolor on Yupo

2010-08-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

I always feel guilty if I take a day off from painting, and I've taken THREE days off!! So, I've been doing a lot of painting today, and this is one of the ones I finished. It started out as an experiment; then I really liked where it was going, so this is one of my few experiments that I decided to finish. It's done on Yupo paper, which is a synthetic, slick paper. It forces me to stay loose because the paint does pretty much what it wants to, unless you REALLY work at it. I like this splashy, carefree look, and I hope to do more along these lines!

"A Woman's Thoughts"
9.5" x 8.5"
Click here to inquire

This is a detail view

PS - My days off entailed going up to the mountains to relax at Grove Park Spa, catch a horse show in Blowing Rock, and explore. My perfect vacation includes good friends...

Gorgeous places...(note waterfalls falling from above)

Funny dogs...

And no Rachel vacation is complete without some beautiful horses...

Original Yellow Labrador Retriever ACEO Art Painting

2010-08-07T09:01:00.001-07:00

3" x 2"
"Yellow Labrador Retriever"

I just love to paint things that make me smile, and how can you not be happy looking at this guy?? This lab was entered in my photo contest, but he was begging to be painted, and I couldn't resist!

Wilmington, NC art - a new original

2010-08-05T16:56:00.001-07:00

Since I'm doing a September show in Wilmington, I thought I'd do a few small studies. Here's the first...

"Wilmington Study"

3.75" x 10"

Thank you to Hunter Tate for the picture!

It's the end of the summer for me, so I'll probably slow down a bit - I've got several commissions I'm working on and probably won't have a ton of time to do much else. (But I'll try!!!) I've got TONS of ideas for paintings so I'm itching to get several done, so do stay tuned! Thank you everyone who donated for my at-risk children's fund. Watch for the drawing tomorrow night for who will win free paintings for their donations!

Finished the winning photo!

2010-08-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Simone - your dogs make for an adorable painting : )

A new black cat painting - original art!

2010-07-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

"Black Cat, Red Flowers"

5" x 3"

Click here to inquire

Giraffe Art - A New Original Watercolor Painting!

2010-07-31T09:48:00.001-07:00

This is a painting of a giraffe that lives at the amazing Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. Thank you so much to Eric Isaac at www.flickr.com for his gorgeous picture. I hope some day I can visit Giraffe Manor and live among these gorgeous animals for a day!

"Curious Giraffe"
3" x 5"
Click painting to inquire

New Foxhunting Art - an original watercolor

2010-07-28T18:33:00.001-07:00

I just finished this one tonight. Although it's small, I spent HOURS on the little hounds - I got such a kick out of all of them! Thank you so much to David Baker at http://www.flickr.com/photos/clodhopperfotos for allowing me to use his gorgeous photo!

"Heading Out"
3.5" x 5.5"
Click painting to inquire

Charleston Battery Art - a new Watercolor Painting

2010-07-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

I had the good fortune of finding a gorgeous picture of the battery in Charleston, SC by Bill Read (at www.flickr.com/photos/billread) and the even better fortune of his allowing me to use it. Thanks so much Bill!

This is a study. Once I get it the way I want it, I'll do a big painting. Love the splashes in this one! I think I'll work on the pallete of the battery though : ) Hey, since I like contests and giving away free stuff, send me ideas for titles of the final painting. If I use your title, I'll send you a free print! You can leave a comment here, on Facebook, email me, or air drop it at my house (last option expensive, not recommended)

"1st Study of Charleston and Dolphins"
5.5" x 10.5"

If you'd like to purchase this original, or buy a print, just click on one of the pictures.

Thank you for the shout outs!!!

2010-07-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

I appreciate the following for giving me shout outs this week on their blogs or on Etsy...

mulberrylanefolkart.blogspot.com www.etsy.com/shop/mulberrylanefolkart

craftsbyellen.blogspot.com www.etsy.com/shop/craftsbyellen

www.etsy.com/shop/glendajo

www.etsy.com/shop/ArtdeJoie

www.etsy.com/shop/BayColonyDesigns (Cat lovers will love her kitty felt sculptures!)

www.etsy.com/shop/SherylHumphrey

More Miniature Watercolor Paintings...

2010-07-24T06:25:00.001-07:00

I painted more minis yesterday - these are so darling on a mantle, stairs, desks - I love them! They would be really cute in doll houses too. Even Sadie is impressed : )

Click on each image to inquire.

Thank you to Chris Zachary for his gorgeous photo - click here to see his work!

Congratulations Mandy!!!

2010-07-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the poll is...

New Mini Paintings

2010-07-22T17:34:00.001-07:00

I've been doing mini paintings and have become SO addicted to them. Then I found these cute easels that are about 3 inches high that are just perfect. These little watercolors are done on extra heavy watercolor paper so they stand up by themselves. Even Sadie is impressed!

This is another non-winning entry but completely irresistible!

This painting is of Eva's kitty. She was in one of the contests and didn't win, but I still couldn't resist painting her gorgeous cat. I'll post these on www.rachelsstudio soon, but if you're interested in one, just drop me a note!

New Poll - Vote!

2010-07-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

I hate that I haven't gotten any painting done lately - I've been moving! But I'll be darned if I skip too many polls, and there are SO many darling pictures to choose from. Voting will be open for 24 hours and then I will end the poll. The winner gets their picture painted and a free print of the original. To enter the next contest, enter pictures on my Facebook group, Flickr group, or Yahoo group!

Congratulations to Maggie the Pomeranian!!

2010-07-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Maggie - your darling photo won. You will receive a free print of your painting. To participate in the next contest, go to Facebook or Yahoo and upload your pictures! Please note that it is allowed to use social networking to get votes and you can vote once a day. The next contest I may just keep the poll open for 24 hours as the ability to vote more than once gets a bit out of hand.

New Poll - Vote!

2010-07-05T14:22:00.001-07:00

I know there are a lot of pictures to choose from, but it was SO hard to choose what to put in and what not to. I'm really sorry if your photo didn't get in; it's not because I didn't adore it!! There are just so many great pictures this time around.
Have fun voting : )

If you'd like to enter the next photo contest, enter on Facebook, Flickr, or my Yahoo group

Art of the Penn MaryDel Foxhound - an original painting

2010-07-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

"Penn MaryDel Foxhounds"
11" x 14"
Click here to inquire

These are Penn MaryDel Foxhounds with the Camden (South Carolina) Hunt club. They are gorgeous, muscular dogs that have a very professional demeanor - they were all business the day I met them. This is a painting of the dogs in the kennel that got left behind. They were intently listening to the hounds in the field. Another talented artist, Karen Storay, also trains horses and invited me to come and take pictures. Thank you Karen!

Wood Duck Art - Watercolor Painting

2010-07-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

I painted this for my dad - he loves wood ducks. He lives on a huge lake (Lake Murray in Lexington SC) and has made it his life mission to create habitat for wood ducks. He has put duck boxes up all over the lake, which is 100s of acres. This summer he was rewarded with a family of babies. Unfortunately they are too shy to get a good picture, but can you imagine how cute a baby wood duck is??? For my painting though, an adult will have to do. They make perfect watercolor subject with their bright colors with sharp contrasts of white.

Prints and the original available
11" x 14"
Click on the image to inquire

Original Oil Painting - Toddler with Pretzel

2010-06-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

I saw this precious little girl on a trip through Switzerland and just couldn't resist painting her - that pretzel is just about as big as she is! This is my one my first forays into oil painting, and I'm really excited about it. Thanks to Karin Jurick, I discovered masonite boards, and they are so much more fun to paint on than canvas. I've got several more oils coming!

"Toddler with Pretzel"
10" x 8"
Click painting to inquire

Hawaii Virtual Paintout

2010-06-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

"Kamehameha Highway, Kaaawa Hawaii"
4" x 11"
Click here for purchase info

A few summers back I went on a trip alone to Hawaii. If you've never traveled alone, you should try it! It can be a very meditative and interesting experience. When you are by yourself, people 'adopt' you, and I was hardly ever by myself unless I wanted to be.

Anyway, this picture is actually from google maps, not from my trip, but it brings back wonderful memories. I had a couple free hours this morning and was looking on the virtual paintout website and couldn't resist this month's challenge. Here is the link on google maps if you'd like to enjoy the scenery too http://tinyurl.com/2g3rm33 You will need to wait a moment to let the imagery load before you see the picture. You can then click on the yellow line to move through the map just like you would if you were driving. Click and drag to turn around. Totally addicting for armchair travelers!

Original "A Street in Rome"

2010-06-25T05:39:00.001-07:00

I just finished this painting last night. A few summers back I went on the most wonderful trip to Europe, and exploring the back streets of Rome was a highlight. It seems like no matter where you go, there is something old and gorgeous. On this particular street, this old cathedral glowed like gold. I tried to capture that in this painting, along with the gorgeous light on the passersby. If anyone knows what street this is, I'd LOVE to know! I was too much in a hurry to get the name of the street. (Typical)
The print, original and Giclée are available on www.rachelsstudio.com. Click on the picture to see it on my website!

Winner of the photo contest...

2010-06-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Simone - your adorable picture won! I'll be painting a picture of your darlings and send you a free print.

For the rest of you, get your photos in - the contest will start again in two weeks! The winner will get a free print of the painting and first dibs at the original. Enter photos on flickr, Facebook, or Yahoo.

If you'd also like a chance to win an ORIGINAL, donate to my at-risk children's fund. The button is at the top right of this blog. For every $5 you donate, your name will be in the drawing for a week.

Original "Matisse Reverie"

2010-06-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

A few years back I visited the National Gallery in Washington DC. I went there on a trip by myself to take my mind off a disintegrating relationship. Art heals! (Especially a light-hearted Matisse) I just finished this today...

"Matisse Reverie"
8" x 10"

Click on the picture to view the original

A little background - as Matisse got older, he was confined to his bed much of the time. But his creative energy was still strong, so he cut out shapes from colorful paper, and 'painted' in a whole new way!

New Yorky Puppy Painting

2010-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the winner of the drawing for a free painting. Isn't this one precious?? If you'd like a chance to win, donate to my at-risk fund. For every $5 you donate, your name will be in the drawing for a week! I do the drawing every Friday. The donate button is in the top right hand corner of this blog. Thank you SO much to all of you who have already donated!

Come see me Fourth of July!

2010-06-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

Need something fun to do 4rth of July weekend? Come see me at Cat's Meow Polish Pottery in Pine Mountain GA July 2 and 3 from 10 am - 6 pm!
For directions visit catsmeowpolishpottery.com or on facebook.com

Vote for Rachel's next painting!

2010-06-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Vote for Rachel's next painting! The winner will get a free print of the painting and first dibs at the original. If you'd like to enter the next contest in two weeks, enter photos on flickr, Facebook, or Yahoo.

Hints for getting a photo juried into the poll: Don't use a flash, take the picture in natural light, and get down on your subjects's level, if you're submitting a photo of a pet or person. These make for much more paintable pictures.

New Painting - Enter for your chance to win tonight!

2010-06-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

This cute was last week's winner for a free painting. If you'd like to enter, donate with the paypal button in the upper right corner. For every $5 you donate, you'll be in the drawing for one week. I choose a winner every Friday night!

New Siamese Art - A Watercolor Painting!

2010-06-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

I know it's a nasty habit, but I just NEED to paint a Siamese cat once in a while!! Here's "Lorenzo's Reverie". Hey, if it weren't for these cats, I may have not seen Florence, Rome, and Zurich! I met this guy's owner online through her photos, we struck up a friendship, and I went a couple of summers ago to visit her and her lovely cats in Zurich. More of the story is posted earlier in this blog. Thank you Karin, at http://community.webshots.com/user/karin_from_zurich for your gorgeous pictures AND friendship.

To view purchase info, click on the picture.

Brinkley complete!

2010-06-06T20:02:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the winner of the last poll - Brinkley! His mom, Carol, also won the drawing for the free painting last week and so she'll get this painting for free. Thank you for donating Carol! If you'd like to donate to my at-risk kids and have a chance to win a free painting (new drawing each Friday), click donate in the upper right hand corner of the blog! For each $5 you donate, your name will be placed in the drawing one week. So if you donate $10, your name is in the drawing twice the first week after you give, once the second week, and none after that.

I've started my summer reading too - right now it's Jerry Saltz's "Seeing Out Louder" He's an art critic and was nominated twice for the Pulitzer. I'm about half way through and so far he's been a great advocate for women artists, at times very annoyed with the commercialism of the art fairs (ie Art Basel), and down right disgusted with art auctions like Christie's. ("Auctions are like stripteases: they rely on people being enticed by what's just out of reach"). But hey, he does like Jeff Koons. Sometimes.

Eiffel Tower Painting...Finished!

2010-06-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a little painting I did of the Eiffel Tower - I got the picture off of Google Street View! Click here to see the original image. Just let it load when google comes up, it will take a minute to switch to the picture from the map.

For those of you interested, in French it's "La Tour Eiffel". How the heck do you pronounce that you may ask? Well, I was curious too and did a little search on yahoo answers. Here is what user 'la lah' has to say... tour- same as the word "tour" in English but the R should sound sort of like a gargling sound. Eiffel is pronounced like you are saying the letter F + the word "fell" but put the stress on the "fell" because French stresses the last syllable in the word.

I can never get that gurgling sound quite right.

Painting of a Chihuahua - Starla of "Million Dollar Listing"!

2010-06-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

This is Starla, the chihuahua that always stole the show on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing. I asked Chad Rogers permission on Twitter and he was kind enough to let me. Personally, I just couldn't resist those ears!!! (I mean Starla's ears) ; )

The drawing for a free painting is tomorrow night so everyone get their $5 in at www.rachelsstudio.blogspot.com For every $5 you donate, your name goes into a drawing. Each $5 lasts a week, so if you donate $10 you'll be in the drawing two weeks (and so on). $ -> my at-risk students.

New Drawing for an orginal painting tonight!

2010-05-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

The drawing for a free original will be tonight, so get your $5 in. For each $5 you donate, your name will be put in a drawing. Each $5 lasts a week. So if you donated $5 last week, you won't be in this week's drawing, but if you donated $10, this week will be your last week. Proceeds will benefit the at-risk children I work with as a school social worker! There's a donate button on the top right of this blog. Thank you SO much for helping!

Congratulations to Katii!!!

2010-05-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Katii won this week's drawing for an original painting. I'll be painting her adorable dog. This summer,there will be a weekly drawing for a FREE ORIGINAL!!! For every $5 you donate, your name will be entered in the drawing for a chance to win a free painting! There is a donate button at the top right hand corner of this blog. Thank you to all of you who have already been so generous : )

Foxhunt Watercolor Painting finished

2010-05-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this one for a while now, and put the finishing touches on it tonight

"Before the Hunt"
(Thank you to Moxie Photo for the picture!)

Click on the image to inquire about purchasing a print or giclée

Congratulations Brinkley and Carol!

2010-05-20T18:10:00.001-07:00

Your darlingness stole the show : )
You'll get a free print of a painting I do of this picture. For those of who want to try your hand at winning the photo contest, enter your picture on Facebook

Also, for every $5 you donate, your name gets placed in a drawing for a chance to win a free painting. The drawing is once a week. Click on the donate tab at the top right of this blog to donate!

New Original Painting of a Siamese Cat

2010-05-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished this one tonight! View it in my online gallery.

Thank you for the donations!

2010-05-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the donations! The drawing will be Friday night to find out who won the original. Your photo does not have to be in the poll to win! I'll end the poll tomorrow night. For every $5 you or a referred friend donates, your name will be put in the drawing. So if you've donated, then you get another friend to donate, you'll get your name put in again for each $5 they donate! Or if you haven't donated, but you get a friend to, your name goes in. You can donate through paypal on www.rachelsstudio.blogspot.com

Proceeds will benefit the at-risk students I serve as a school social worker. I'm trying to start a therapeutic horseback riding group for girls at risk of dropping out. So far I've raised $150! I'm hoping to raise over $1000. I'd love to get my certification in providing this kind of therapy so I can continue to provide it in the years to come!

Vote for Rachel's next painting!

2010-05-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor of Boxer Dog Finished

2010-05-14T02:22:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Stacy for winning the photo contest. Here is the completed painting!

If you would like to enter my photo contest, submit your pictures on my Facebook group. I'll be starting it next week!

Win Original watercolor art during my summer fundraiser

2010-05-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be doing a fundraiser all summer with my art - for every $5 you donate, you get your name put in a drawing for a mini original painting of your choice - either one I've done or one of your picture. Once a week, I'll do a drawing. That's a lot of free originals going out! The more you donate, the better your chance of winning! So get your photos and $ in! If you donate over $100 you automatically will get a mini painting. If you choose not to donate, you still get a chance of winning a free print. To see examples of mini paintings, visit this blog post... http://rachelsstudio.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-landscape-and-horse-art.html

This is an example of one of my 'sweet little nothings' and I'll be painting these all summer for my fundraiser! They are 5" x 3"

The fundraiser will be for my at-risk students. I'm trying to raise money to start a therapeutic horseback riding group for girls at risk of dropping out and/or getting pregnant. It just happens too much and I think the horses can help! I've found a great equine specialist to work with who is willing to give me a discount. I just need to raise the funds to pay for basic costs of doing the group. If I don't raise enough I'll use the funds like I have been, helping students pay for field trips, clothes, extracurricular activities, etc, that they otherwise would not be able to have. I just had a mother contact me because she couldn't afford to send her elementary child on an $11 field trip. Isn't that sad? I refuse to let that happen on my watch!

Another 'sweet little nothing" weighing in at 5" x 3"

You can donate by signing up at www.paypal.com and sending me $ to r1achel@yahoo.com. If you'd rather send me a check, just let me know and we can arrange it! I appreciate all the contributions you've already made in these tight times. If you've contributed, you're already entered in the next drawing.

Little details...
The photo contest and the fundraiser will be somewhat separate. I'll continue the photo contest as is, so even if you don't donate you can get in the photo contest. If you happened to donate, you'll have a chance at not only a free print, but also an original. The winner of the photo contest will get a free print and a free painting IF they donated. They only get a free print if they didn't donate. I'll also do a drawing from the pool of donors for a winner of the free painting. So now you have two chances at winning some great art!

PS - Besides an artist, I'm a school social worker : )

2010-05-12T19:18:00.001-07:00

Here's my newest original - I call these little paintings 'Sweet Little Nothings' It's 6x6 inches. This is a painting of a Welsh Pony I had the pleasure of meeting at the Aiken Steeplechase.

New toy - Photoshop Art Tutorials!

2010-05-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I just got this new software that helps me make Photoshop tutorials for my watercolor painting students! The video below shows how I use Photoshop as a visualization tool for how I want my final watercolor paintings to look.

Come see Rachel's Art!

2010-05-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Events in May that will include my art;

May 8 - Pupcakes spa day in Columbia from 11 am - 3 pm. Get pampered alongside your pooch the day before mother's day.
May 12th - Rebecca Howser Interiors art show in Columbia from 4 pm to 7 pm.
May 13 - Columbia Museum of Art's Contemporaries show. Starts at 7 pm
May 27 - Rhythm and Blooms from 6-9 pm at the Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens

Pant Pant Pant - What a crazy month!!!

Camden, SC Foxhunt art Painting

2010-05-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

This winter I went and took pictures of the foxhunt in Camden, SC. I've been working on this painting FOREVER, but it's finally done.

The original is available here, and prints are here.

New Landscape and Horse Art...

2010-04-25T18:52:00.001-07:00

I recently went to the Aiken Steeplechase and took TONS of pictures - suffice it to say I was in hog heaven! Here's a little slice of life from that day - they do soundness checks to make sure the horses' legs and feet are sound - no gimpies allowed on the track! This is a small little painting, 6x6 inches and is available on my website

This is Lake Murray in Lexington, SC where I grew up. It's also home to what was once the world's longest earthen dam. You can see it in the painting in the background. I spent many happy summers on this lake! This is a 'sweet little nothings' painting weighing in at 3.5" x 5". The original is available on my website.

I almost forgot - the winners of the last photo contest are..

Congratulations Stacy and Christine! If you would like to enter the next contest, which will start in about two weeks, upload your photos to my facebook group.

New Landscape Forest Painting and story about Karin

2010-04-19T19:31:00.001-07:00

Thank you to my friend Karin, who graciously lets me use her amazing pictures.

Thanks to Karin, I always have great things to paint, besides the gorgeous pics I get from my Facebook fans. I met Karin when I discovered her darling pictures of her kitties on webshots.com. I emailed her to ask permission to use her pictures, and we struck up a friendship. She lives in Switzerland and speaks five languages! I'm obsessed with travel, so of course, I was very impressed. Pluse, I've always wanted to see the Swiss Alps. When I told her I wanted to come visit her in Switzerland, she suggested we take a trip to Costa Rica instead. May be a little impulsive, but hey, I'm an artist! Two summers after that I finally got to meet her kitties in Zurich, Switzerland, that I've painted so many times. We also visited Rome and Florence. The kitties were still the highlight of the trip ; )

Here is a picture of her kitty holding me down...

I still can't believe I was there. But I was, here's proof...

and I WILL be back!

But, back to my painting...
I'm going to put this in McKissick Museum's annual gala fundraiser. I've been working on it for months, but I think it's finally done. Here's how it'll look framed...

Detail

Thank you, Karin, for adding so much to my life!

Your donations helped!

2010-04-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for donating to my students (I'm also a school social worker). Your donations helped buy a newly homeless family much needed necessities. If you would like to donate, click on the donate button in the upper right corner of this blog. For every $5 you donate, I'll enter your name in a drawing for a free painting. Once we get to $500, I'll complete the drawing and work with the winner on what they would like painted!

Photo Contest - Vote for Rachel's next painting!

2010-04-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

Vote to determine what will be my next painting! If you would like to enter your photo in my photo contest, enter on my www.rachelsstudio.com group on Facebook . If your photo wins you'll get a free print of the finished painting and first dibs at the original. Please keep in mind I can't paint copywrighted material, and if you enter your photo, you are giving me permission to use your image to paint. This poll will end next weekend, so get your votes in!!

Paws for Charity

2010-04-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in Paws for Charity again this year...

The Paws For Charity Art Book Project is a unique fundraiser that celebrates our love of pets, and raises funds for a human cause.

The 2010 Art Book is a compilation of artwork and photography of dogs and cats submitted by 65 artists and photographers in 7 countries.
All funds raised from the sale of these books are donated to The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, a registered charity with programs in over 50 countries. This charity also carries the Humane Charity Seal of Approval.

Details about Paws For Charity are available on the blog: http://www.pawsforcharity.blogspot.com

Tshirts, greeting cards, and wall calendars are also for sale with all proceeds donated to breast cancer charity.

New Yellow Labrador Retriever Painting

2010-03-21T06:36:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much to Jen C on Facebook for giving me permission to paint her gorgeous dog. I've been wanting to paint a yellow lab forever, and I finally found the perfect picture! I've got serious spring fever so you'll notice this painting has a lot of the greens and yellows of freshly sprung leaves and grass.

Click on the picture if you'd like a print!