palette inspiration for future paintings.

I love when my latest pins come together and form the best color palette that inspire me for future paintings. I instantly just want to paint right now. So, I'm saving this color palette for future references.

decisions, decisions, oh the artistic decisions...

Oh I'm in a rut. I just don't know what to do. I want to create some sort of spring collection of artwork, whether it be abstracts or realism. Abstracts hand me over such battles. They are difficult - they are harder creating than one would think, and I find myself stumped and looking at other current abstract artists who are my age, and a lot more successful and extremely talented and I admit, I find myself becoming very discouraged. Sometimes when I compare my abstract work to other artists I feel very amateur. But I am a fine artists - I have a degree, I have studied with an emphasis in painting all through high school and college so I shouldn't feel defeated. It's just hard is all.

I don't have the most legit website for my artwork, I don't have a .com and since the move to Los Angeles I am now in search of a printing company to help myself produce prints and giclees of my artwork so that I can always have artwork available for purchase. But it's money. I probably shouldn't be publicly writing my doubts within my own work, as it's far from professional, but I'm real and majority of the time, I like to throw my hands in the air because I don't care.

As of late, I have been questioning if I should focus on my butterfly paintings and take a breather from the abstracts. I have a great audience who love the butterflies and I can continue with this collection and go forward with it. It would be perfect for spring and summer and I do find a joy while painting them. So, I'm going to continue to think about it a bit, but that is where I am at. I just need to focus on one thing at a time and stop looking at other artists work, unless they are my favorite master painters. I need to find my niche because I'm all over the map. And.... I need a vacation.

Valentine's Day Collection

Excited to announce a Valentine's Day Collection of original abstract paintings! So far, each and every painting have sold out, so you could say, today was a sweet sweet day! I plan on adding more and more paintings throughout the days leading up to Valentine's Day so do keep an eye out and check every day for new additions to the Valentines Collection. What a blast I've been having painting these small, but whimsical abstracts that are pretty marvelous when matted and framed!

To take a look or shop: 

rachelanne.bigcartel.com

I Can Confidently Say, "IM A GRADUATE!!!"

What a special day December 17th is. Oh how it will always be a day of FREEDOM! My graduation due date has been long over due - two years over due to be exact and I honestly thought reaching that point of completion was nearly impossible. My friends even thought so. While all of my friends have graduated years ago, and moved on with their lives and out of the state of Utah, I had to sit back and watch as time slowly flew by and waited for my turn. And today was finally the day. Honestly, it did come faster than I had imagined, now looking back on it.

So, two years over due and having completed about 47 paintings in my life time, I can safely say (with no surprises from the fine arts counselor) I am a college graduate and hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Arts & Visual Communications. It feels so good to say that! I've come a long long way and I am ready and happy to say goodbye to Utah Valley University forever and ever! I feel as though I have made a huge accomplishment in my life and the paintings don't even end here... I am just getting started! On to my next adventure!

winding down to graduation, GRADUATION!

This is what life looks like, all of the time - my artwork for school in consuming my soul seeing as how I have ONE WEEK LEFT. Yes, one week my friends! I truly honestly never thought this day would arrive. I remember it like it was yesterday realizing that I had two more extra years to go and I was beyond devastated!

Now, it's nothing but crunch time and I find all of the free time I can get to paint at home while I'm not in the studio at school. This is what my living room looks like - couch is never put together and you'll find remnants of cafe rio here and there... can you spy the red straw? It's okay though, I am enjoying these last moments of being a student and though I am not too sad about graduating... I have somewhat enjoyed my time at Utah Valley Univeristy - I mean it's no SCAD (which was my original plan then I through myself for a loop) but it was good to me nonetheless and I have more than grown with my talent and I have opened my eyes to new paths within my future career and I cannot wait! Just five more days and I'll be a college graduate! WOOHOO!

fifties voguette painting

This is my latest portrait taken from a 1950's Vogue editorial. I am so drawn to that decade. And I have always swooned over those photographs from that particular Vogue issue that I decided I'd challenge myself and paint one, a large one if you will. This bad boy is 36" x 48" and I couldn't be more proud. I am happy to say that I will be getting all of my paintings done in time for finals! I only have one more portrait to go! And this last one I am really excited for - it's another vintage fashion magazine piece from Harper's Bazaar.

I can't believe how fast time is flying by with this last semester of school. I for sure thought it was going to drag, but I was proven wrong. It's bittersweet to be done, but it's a wild feeling to know I'll be free at last - to paint whatever my precious heart desires, and for that... I am really thrilled!

With the holidays coming up be sure to check out my artwork shop, as PRICES HAVE BEEN LOWERED! rachelanne.bigcartel.com

"Tropicana Lush" On the Market, Pre-Order Now!

My oh my, this has been a looooooong time-a-comin'. It's true, one of my favorite works of arts and a huge accomplishment of mine is now available in poster form as well as two sizes of Giclees! You can pre-order the poster or giclee painting of "Tropicana Lush" NOW at rachelanne.bigcartel.com

So, what are you a'waiting for? Get moving and purchase some artwork to spruce up your home!

perfect timing to give thanks.

Holy cow. What a whirlwind of a week. I am literally exhausted from a much emotional and sleepless week... but I got through and ended it with more than a good note and an overload of blessings.

Wednesday was the most overwhelming day of blessings! I didn't know I could feel so overwhelmed with such amazing and spiritual experiences, but I think with all of the excess of crying I was thinking, "Okay, okay, I get it, Heavenly Father loves me more than I can imagine, but he knows how emotional I am so let's tone it down a bit, eh?" I'm kidding but really, I couldn't believe how near the Lord was by my side this whole week that I could hardly handle it. I've never felt so comforted as such a time when I needed it most.

As you already know of my awful day on Monday with my car being broken into and all of my art supplies of over $3,000 being taken. I know to some, you won't understand why it was such a downer time for me, but those out there who may be artists or know of something that they are so passionate about, and have it all be taken from you - nothing is lousier. All week I have been praying so hard for my paints to show up. For them to magical be sitting on my doorstep because whoever stole them was too embarrassed to face me and apologize. Or, magically, I'd find my whole entire bag of paints and brushes in church dumpsters - just something. And no, none of that ever happened.

Zeke has been out of town this whole week, which made it even harder. So being alone, and alone in the dumps was kicking me pretty hard, and I was trying to have a good attitude about it, but whenever I'd think of what happened or retell the story to someone I'd just cry and cry. I needed family. Then Wednesday rolled around.

I woke up to a surprise at the door, and my dear friend Kristi had mailed me fresh flowers and a cafe rio card with a letter written all the way from Seattle. It was refreshing to wake up to it. My friends get me, and they know how much painting and art mean to me and they get how I'm feeling and for that, I am so grateful. Once again, when I read her letter, I cried and cried. My face is now so swollen, I don't know if it will ever deflate back to it's normal state - or maybe its just all of the cafe rio I've been eating to tame my emotions. From then on, I was feeling better about my situation. A couple of days had gone by and forgiveness was in my heart as well as a sense of hope. That night was my painting class and so I knew I had to stop at the art store to purchase and restart with just the essentials to get me through my last two paintings of the semester. I was determined to go at it with a really good and uplifting attitude.

Despite the negativity that goes on in the world, and despite my hard week, Wednesday was a day filled with good good people. I stepped into the family owned art store to begin my new collection of oil paints and brushes after having it all being taken from me. Being overwhelmed, the lady asked me if I was looking for anything in particular and I began to tell her my situation of my car being broken into and all of my supplies being taken. I could see the sincere pain in her eyes which then led me to crying hysterically (for about the 20th time) and she embraced me quickly and gave me the longest hug as I continued to sob. After pulling myself together she helped me gather what I needed to get me through my last final paintings of the semester. While checking out, her husband, who owns the store, overheard my story and showed his concern as well. Before leaving, I thanked her for the hug and comfort. As I was walking to my car I continued to cry again because the sweet comfort of a stranger was what I needed. Once I got into my car I noticed the woman was running to me with her arms filled with tubes of oil paint and she said,"My husband and I really want to give these to you during this hard time. Just pay it forward, okay?" as she touched my cheek and gave me a final hug. It was the touch and hug that any mother would give and again I began bawling in my car over the generosity this couple was filled with. I've been praying for my paints to show up, but despite it all, this was a tender mercy from the Lord and I've gained more and learned more from that selfless act of kindness then I ever would if I found my bag of paints and brushes. I have so much to be thankful for and I will forever remember this couple whom I am so grateful for. 

I sat in my car after that experience for maybe ten minutes just sobbing and thanking my Heavenly Father. It wasn't about the fact that I now had a good starter collection of paints. The fact is, though I lost over $3,000 worth of supplies that will take me years to get back, I can still afford to begin the collection again. Obviously not all at once, but little by little. It was the gesture and the selflessness of this couple. It was the love that was filled in their hearts when they saw the pain in my face. It was them understanding and feeling deeply sorry for me. They were angels sent to show me love and give me hope and to give me comfort when my family was away. It's hard for me to explain how I truly felt at that moment. It was an experience that is indescribable. I've never been so touched in all my life. I've never experienced first hand the good that comes from strangers - and it was nothing short of unbelievable.

Once I pulled myself together, I managed to get to school tear free, until I called Zeke to tell him what had just happened and I couldn't even spit the words out I was crying so hard because I was so touched.  I walked into class with bloodshot and swollen eyes and a puffy face. Clearly, everyone knew I was a headcase. I guess my teacher Sue had informed the class what had happened and if anyone could fully understand the devastation of it all, it'd be Sue and my classmates. Sue gave me a warm hug and said some uplifting advice and then an older man in my class slipped me a twenty and said, "I know how it is and this is the least I could do to help." I politely refused his offer and then he politely refused my decline of his offer and gave me the same look that the woman at the store gave me and he just begged me to take it and once again.... I was bawling. I have never in my life had that many people within such a short amount of time show their service, their love, anything... and I knew it was blessings from my Heavenly Father looking out for me. And to top it all off, about five minutes after... I get a phone call from my sister informing me that her and my Mom, who were flying to California the next day, had a four hour layover in Salt Lake City and wanted to grab dinner! Heavenly Father has done it again, what a personal touch to all of the tender mercies I have been given- Family. I just needed my family. And if I couldn't have Zeke, of course I would need my sister and my Mom. Honestly, what are the odds? There are no odds, my testimony has grown so deeply this week over the love and understanding my Heavenly Father has for me. The morning flowers and note from a friend, the hug and service of a stranger, and the charity of a fellow artist and the surprise dinner with family from across the country all in a matter of 24-hours. It was incredible.   

I don't even need my bag of paints and brushes anymore. Those tools have been replaced with so much more. More than I could ever imagine. My heart is full. My spirits are lifted, and though I was physically alone during the hard week, I had loving phone calls to get me through the nights from Zeke, I had friends and family reaching out, and I had giving strangers and it was all done through the hands of my Heavenly Father. He knew I didn't need the bag of paints and brushes, he knew I needed something deeper, found in the hearts of us all. I needed a lesson, I need an experience to show charity, love and selflessness and I needed to understand that He knows me, and He blesses me and He understands me more than I understand myself, and I am never alone, as He is always holding my hand. And now, I 
need to pay it forward, and I've never been happier to do so. 

Though we are a few weeks shy of Thanksgiving, I won't forget this particular one as these personal occurrences were during the perfect month to step back and just give thanks. I am so excited to jump on that plane with the Zoo to Georgia to be with my whole family for a week. But before I do that, I need to send some personal thank you cards to a certain couple who really made November so special. 

Happy early Thanksgiving. Are you just as ready for all that turkey and pie like I am? Let's go.  

my worlds been rocked.

Uh well, I woke up this morning only to realize that my car was broken into right outside of my house. This is the first time that this has ever happened to me. I had all of my car paperwork, registration, insurance all of that thrown everywhere on the front seats with the glove compartment open as well as the middle console. Luckily, nothing was missing. The CD player and iphone charger were all still intact which I figured would be the first things one breaking into a car would get their hands on. I took a peek in my backseat and my freshly wrapped canvas' were still there along with my rulers, yardsticks and paint palettes, though one thing was missing that made me want to initially vomit right then and there. My entire large, over-flowing bag of every single tube of oil paint I own as well as all of my paint brushes. I instantly began bawling. 

Let me do some quick math for you. Over time, I have proudly created a large selection of oil paints since HIGH SCHOOL that has lasted for great lengths of time. I have over 150 tubes of oil. One tube of oil paint averages between $7.00 - $20.00. Because I am quite picky with my selection of quality with paints and I use quite unique pigments of oil, the tubes I own are more on the expensive end of the spectrum where we hit in the twenty dollar range. So, what is 150 (tubes of oil) x 20 (price of one tube)? $3,000. $3,000!!!! Not to mention I had about 12-15 oil paint brushes which range from $7.00 to $20.00 as well... I've been more than robbed. My personal life has been invaded. The one thing I am most passionate about has been taken from me, just like that. Why of all things, did they take my paints? I had a phone charger and a blasted CD player in the car, and they took the one thing that my life was so fully invested in, at the most crucial time in my education as an artist and what could be the beginning of my career as an artist come graduation this December. 

I'm still in awe over it. I've contacted the police, filed a report and it turns out many reports have come in within my area with the same exact reports except no one had items stolen from them, but me. The police think it was a group of kids, which really makes me even more disappointed. I'm not angry, I am just deeply sad and crushed. I have nothing as an artist. Nothing. I didn't go to classes today because I had no oils to use and no brushes to paint with. I have to completely start from scratch and I'll never be able to afford $3,000 worth of oil paints right off the bat that I had relied on so heavily. The collection of oil paints and brushes I owned has taken me over 8 years to gain. I cry just thinking about it. I'm crying right now. I bawled all morning and afternoon.  I even ran errands not knowing I had black mascara tear marks down my face while at the grocery store. I cried on the phone to my family and friends. I cried in the dressing room of Victoria Secret while no bra I tried on worked and then my mind raced back to my paints and how terrible this day has been. 

I know there are worse things in the world, but when it's something that is your main tool to create things that give you such joy, appreciation in your life and something that makes you so proud of your accomplishments is taken from you, it hurts deeply. And I know not many can relate but I feel more than robbed. I feel as though I am now incapable of accomplishing works of art because I no longer have my tools that I have taken with me all over since I was 16 to get me through a really hard painting that took more then blood, sweat and tears. 

I just wish whoever the kids were would knock on my front door and return my personal items. I wouldn't even yell, I wouldn't even say anything. I'd honestly just cry with relief and thankfulness. If only they knew how badly they've hurt me. I know these paints can be replaced, but only with time. I am just thankful they weren't my paintings. 

I am trying my best to keep my chin up and find the good in this situation. I think back on all of my favorite old masters and the trials they experienced during their journey as an artist and I'd like to think this is something that could be added into my bio on my Wikipedia page... at least I didn't cut my ear off like my man Van Gogh - things could be worse. 

I've been through all of the stages of emotions today. This morning I was grieving and crying nonstop, then it turned into anger and I may have said only a few profanities, just a few. Then it turned into a buck-up attitude and now I am just back to being extremely sad but I'm not angry. 

Such is life. We all must move on. I know this is not as big of a deal to some, but it's just personal. And it's okay. It's okay. It's all going to be okay. Once graduation hits, I really will be that poor artist trying to get by like everyone talks about. Here goes nothing... 

beginning the abstracts of the semester.

Oh I can't explain to you the excitement that is filling up inside of me. Finally, FINALLY we are beginning to paint and it's the third week into the semester! I don't understand what has been taking so long but my first day of painting has been a blast! This is the beginning stages of my first abstract I'll be working on. I'm experimenting a lot with acrylics, water-soluble graphite and ink and I am having a field day! I really can't wait to get into the studio and work, and the size of the canvas is even better. It's large and in charge and perfectly square being 36" x 36". I don't know if it can get any better than that... I'll keep you posted.

rats. rats. rats. rats.

 I had a bad day today. I didn't cry, but I may have yelled a little bit, out loud, by myself, with no one home. I need a break from painting. I think I've reached the point where I just need to chill out. I'm wasted from abstracts and I'm finding that I'm trying too hard. Abstracts are fun, they are beautiful and lovely and la-te-da but I am ready to admit, it's not my forte.

Sure, I paint them, I sell them (like one a year... if I'm lucky) and sometimes I'm really proud of them because I didn't know I could do that. But a lot of days, I have so many color palettes ready to go, with so many butterflies in my stomach and I get going on it and the next thing I know I want to punch a hole in the canvas with my fist because it looks so amateur. It looks nothing like what I had envisioned, it looks nothing like what I know I can do - even kids who don't try at all create beautiful abstracts and theirs looks better than mine! For crying out loud, I just need to give it a rest. I was so freaking excited to paint this one abstract today and by the end of the hour I found myself pouring all of my medium all over the canvas because I was so ticked. And then, I was even more ticked when I realized that I had just poisoned my whole house with such a chemical odor that I had to fan it out with every window and door open while its 100 and something degrees outside. All because I lost my cool...

At least I didn't cut my ear off like Van Gogh... although sometimes I can't say I blame him. My point is, abstracts are great - I'd buy a million of em' from artists who I admire and love because that is their expertise. As for me, my one true love is painting people, portraits and fashion editorials. And I know, I can't sell those due to copyright issues, and I know it's looked down upon in school because it's considered cheating or whatever the crap they feed to me. But it's the one thing I kind of amaze myself at and I think it's okay for me to pat myself on the back for, or talk myself up about because I'm hard on myself when it comes to a lot of other things, but this- this I know I can do. And this, I know I love to challenge myself with. And this I know I always fall in love with the outcome. And I know that I've got one professor at school who could give a rats "A" if I painted from photos...

So without further adieu I am no longer taking commissioned paintings for the summer and (not that anyone was really asking me to do anything, but I had a few). I have worn myself out and I'm a hot mess and I need to get giddy to paint again for my last semester of school because that's what counts. I've collaborating some scary but exciting ideas for a portrait series in my head. I am debating if I could do it, if I have the guts to do it and if I won't want to cry by the end of the semester for doing it. So here goes nothing.

I spent hours hiding under the blankets gathering photos on my phone to not wake up the Zoo last night in bed, but my mind was racing! I have a love for traditional portraits. Portraits you see of very important or historical people. Portraits that are rich in dark colors, serious, and almost haunting in a way that its so beautiful. They are the portraits you see in the historic plantations of portraits of our founding fathers of our nation - you know what I mean. The only issue is, that's a lot to live up too and I'm afraid I'd get bored working with such a dark palette. But I want that feel. And I want them to make an impact. I want people to look at these portraits and stare so far deep into them that they wonder who these people are, what they are about, where they came from and so on so forth. I want to make a statement of their beauty. So, I've gathered together some of my favorite photos of fashion editorials from various Vogue magazines from the 50's. With faint backgrounds, rich color, glamour and the Palm Beach vibe, these woman of the 50's will become my muses and I'm straight scared. It's going to be a challenge but I'm ready and willing and really excited!

So on to better days, and I'll bask in what's left of summer and take advantage of that summer vacation. Stress free from my brushes and canvas.

color palette inspiration

I'm constantly finding my inspiration from J.Crew. Especially when I'm swooning over things that I unfortunately can't and wont ever afford and with how beautiful they are, I know that what makes me love them is the color palettes and patterns so I'll whip them up into an abstract painting if I have to! I can't wait to get up on it with this color palette! Here's to a summer of painting whatever the heck I want!

i'd like to say it's the pink version of the great gatsby.

I introduce you to the pink version of the Great Gatsby, I give you, The Don Cesar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida! The first time I saw a photo of this beaut, I knew that I had to have a painting of it, and I knew the only way to have it, was to do it myself and the thought of that was quite a doozy. I knew it would be a challenged but I knew that if it was successful it would be a proud moment in my career.

I've explored new techniques and have fallen in love with creating a base layer of texture with gesso and applying thick layers of oil with a palette knife. It's like icing a cake. I'm really happy that I pushed myself to do this and decided last minute I would paint this subject matter for my final. I cornered myself into having no choice but to finish and accomplish the challenge. I can confidently say, a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this, and I also wanted to punch a hole with my fist through the canvas at one point. But I resisted, and now this painting has become one of my most personal prized possessions. It will definitely be a heirloom in the family.

Does anyone know how to fire proof a painting?

i deserve a gold trophy.

I deserve a trophy. No, I am not tooting my own horn on the looks of these babies, I'm tooting my own horn that I have successfully met all of the deadlines that I needed to meet for the semester and that I PUSHED myself to experiment, explore and improve my painting skills. And the outcome you ask? I couldn't be more pleased. I feel like this semester I put in a ton of hard work and dedication that has resulted in reflecting who I am and my own style. I feel as though I am beginning to find my specialty in painting. I know what hopefully (with fingers crossed) could sell and allow me to make some money, and I know what is secretly passion for me and my guilty pleasures of painting that people wouldn't normally purchase (ex. my portraits and things like that). But I will continue to paint the things that make me blush because it's who I am deep down, what I love and what keeps me giddy and wanting more.

I think I have finally passed the area of viewing painting as a chore and now I view it as something crave and have to do at least an hour a day or I'll go insane! I've always had a love for painting, but now that I have found my niche and I kind of have this attitude that I'm going to do it my way and have fun with what I do, and if it doesn't please others, so be it, and if it does, I'll shout for joy.

This summer is going to be a blast! I can't wait to bring out some old paintings that I treasure but have never gotten around to finishing, and I am so excited to dive into other new things. One being... a southern plantation (if i dare). I just really love the work that I do, and I love the time I spend on it, because I know it's time not wasted.

With five portraits, seven abstracts and one large "great gatsby-like hotel" down, I can confidently say, it's been a really great semester.

The Don Cesar Hotel I'll post in a separate post, for it's become my new prized possession.

for the love of art.

It's funny how as you age, you begin to find and understand what really intrigues you, what you become insanely passionate about. You kind of sort your interests based on priorities and then you begin to find what defines you. At least, this applies to me, I'm not too certain if it applies to anyone else.

Growing up I had a keen love for fashion, and don't you dare get me wrong, I still do, but I believe my love for it has grown into a different sort of love. It's no longer my priority and I no longer envision it being a huge part of my life. When I was younger, I read only Nancy Drew Mysteries (which I still read from time to time, do not judge but it's the child in me), and sadly Harper's Bazaar and Vogue Magazines. I'd read it cover to cover from the editors notes to what's in and what's out. I began to become aware of world wide designers and all the top names in the fashion industry. I was educating myself and I found it so intriguing. I still find this all appealing today. But back then, I believed it was what would become of me. I believed and hoped that I would find an occupation in the fashion industry, and make my name known as a well known fashion designer. My mom is an unreal seamstress, as I have mentioned this time and time again. She knew of my obsessions and I am so thankful that she took note and helped me to enhance my talents within it.  I could draw, and I loved doing so, my mom also is very artistic, she studied fine arts in college and I think she became thrilled that she could sense a bit of her in me. So I'd draw and sketch and design clothing that I dreamt of and wished that it were mine. My mom supported me by sewing my clothing sketches and allowing my visions to come to life. I was beyond thrilled.

I remember my bedroom was painted a bright pink which was such a bad idea looking back on it. The hallway leading up to my room was always glowing, oh my gosh it was so bad, but at the time, I knew I loved it and so I'd never change or wish for it to have been different, despite my taste now. But what I truly remember was the selfless hours my mom spent painting a mural of mannequins on my wall wearing my fashion designs that I had sketched in my sketch book. What a dream it was for me! And how awesome of my mom for doing that? She did a superb job and to this day, I am so happy she did that for me.

So through High School, that's all her and I did, I'd design gowns and she'd sew and construct them and I'd wear them to my high school dances and pageants (I only did this as an excuse to design a dress, I was so anti pageants, believe you me.) My favorite outings with my mom was going to our favorite hole in the wall fabric store in Buckhead, Georgia where it was a freaking gold mine of very high end textiles. We still go and visit to this day whenever I go home, even if we aren't designing anything, it's just our place to go. So with all of this said, this was my life. And I loved it, and I look back and still love it. Those days are some of my favorite memories. At the time of applying to colleges, I considered heavily on the idea of going to Savannah College of Art and Design, a very elite school for the arts where I would study fashion design. Keep in mind, that throughout all my years of high school, I was taking oil painting classes and enjoyed them so much that I cared more about those painting assignments than my math homework (go figure.)

Due to much contemplation and knowing that I had to be realistic about my decisions, I knew that with my lifestyle and beliefs that ultimately, I wanted to get married and raise a family somewhere down the road in my future. With that being said, I knew that it wouldn't be ideal to go about this while trying to become a fashion designer. I don't want to be a powerhouse, I'm not one of those girls with a desire to be a working mom, I just want to have passion, talent, and goals, and if being recognized through my talents is all that I am given, I will be very much appreciative and feel nothing but blessed. I'm not looking for fame, and I know that at times I can be sensitive to critics and I am well aware of how cut-throat the fashion industry is. I wouldn't last, and I wouldn't be happy.

So, I bucked up and made the decision to move out to Utah where I would meet people from all over rather than just the South and its always a bonus that I had a ton of family out there going to school as well. So Utah it was.

Well, like I said, isn't it interesting how as you age, you begin to understand and find what really intrigues you and what you becomes insanely passionate about? It happened. With five years of focusing on nothing but fine arts, painting and art history, I have found my golden treasure, the one thing that makes me spark with delight. And I am so in love and addicted with what I do.

I haven't forgotten my one true love, fashion but it's no longer my priority, I feel that fashion with all of the fashion blogs and what not now, has taken a different turn and its very far from the direction I was going towards. You could say, my direction of fashion was more guided towards the artistic side of things. That's where my mind goes, that's where my thoughts take me. Im not interested in fashion to be the best of the best, to make a priority to look good on the street in order to be recognize, to list where I purchased things for others to swoon and acknowledge. And for those who take their fashion in that sort of direction, that's awesome! I have nothing against it, but it's just not me and that's how I feel the world is right now, and that's okay. But for me, I love to learn how the fashion began, what inspired the designers and why they do the things they do. I love the behind the scenes of fashion, the works, the magic. That's what makes me giddy. And that's how I use my love for fashion, as an inspiration to the arts, to my paintings and in so many ways, it's still me, it's still a part of who I was when I was younger and who I am today. And that's what makes me happy.

One more realization, I am a sucker for art history. I never thought I would be in high school, but I am. I cannot stop registering for art history classes every semester. I am completely fascinated with the old masters and the historical art periods. I am so intrigued and it's become a very passionate thing in my life. And I am excited to love this. It's a great outlet for wanting to continually learn and educate myself. Find which of the old masters I can relate to and learn from their traditional painting methods and techniques. With that said, if the Zoo is reading this, I'm seriously so in love with these #2 pencils with the art movements engraved in gold. This sounds like a guilty pleasure to me, and I'd love to keep them safe on my work desk where I paint. OOoowwweeee.

I'm just so thankful that I went with my gut and decided to focus on what I knew best, what I was told that that was all I did during recess or free time in preschool was art. It's a huge part of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

And that's a wrap.

butterfly poster print

Fancy people, I have some fabulous news! My Butterfly painting, which was featured on Nicole Davis' famous lifestyle blog, "Me Oh My", is now available in a poster print on luster paper, which I am so pleased and excited about! This Butterfly Painting has been a hit and now it will be even more affordable and easier to frame! I am so excited with this new item that I can hardly stand myself! So do be a dear, and brighten up your home with this spring time classic, by heading over to my etsy shop!

To order the Butterfly Poster Print visit my etsy shop

$50.00 plus $10.00 for shipping & handling.

i might cut my ear off like van gogh.

Richard Diebenkorn, Berkeley #3, 1953

Did you know that Van Gogh cut his ear off? Mainly because the man was a little physiologically insane, but I think I am almost able to relate to the poor guy because I too, am about to cut my ear off due to insanity. No, I am not insane but procrastination has taken me there. Procrastination: that is the most devilish word and it has taken control of my soul. Finals are in three weeks, and I have yet to complete eight paintings. Four being abstracts, one being the size of my house which I will attempt to paint the Don Ceasar Hotel in Flordia, and the other three, well pretty much three pieces of crap because it's for a class that sadly I could give a rip about. Not to mention I have a research paper to write about Contemporary Pop Art and then explode my brain with all the amounts of information I will cram into it for my Art History Test next well. Crud. And I just realized, I have a portfolio to put together ASAP for my Senior Seminar class. If my mom is reading this right now, she may have a heart attack and want to shake me wondering what the heck I have been doing all of this time!

I don't know what I have been doing. I mean, I finished my portrait series, which I thought was a job well done and man was I on a roll. But once I finished that, I forgot that I had another load to get done. The work never ends and I am full blown about to reunite with my Carpal Tunnel. How will I pull this off? My dining room is overflowing with paintings. I might as well clear them out and move them into the studio at school and bring a sleeping bag along with me and move on it. Goodbye to the Zoo and goodbye world, you will not be seeing me until the end of April. 

Bless my soul and wish me the best of luck. I'm going to make this work, one way or another. On a happy note, here is one of my favorite abstract painters above , Diebenkorn with his Berkeley Series. #3 in particular is one of my favorite of the series. If I ever was able to gather such beautiful wet on wet paint like he did, my life would be complete. 

an embarrassing artists interview.

Okay, okay, before you state your opinions, I would like to honestly admit that I have trouble watching this interview of myself. This interview was from my art show in Salt Lake City this past February. So many thoughts rush through my head as I watch this. For one, I pat myself on the back for being able to speak my thoughts and express my views on my own artwork. I have found that when I speak publicly of my work, I can't find the words to describe it. So a job well done on that. As for the other thoughts in my head, I am so aware of the nastiness of my hair. I live in Utah my friends, and during this time it was freezing cold and I haven't had my hair done since November, and it is so trashed. I am so embarrassed of my appearance. Also, for those of you who don't know me or have never met me, I don't think I sound like that in person, nor speak with those mannerisms, I believe this is all a huge mess of stage fright and being a first timer in front of the camera and I can't help but sit back and think, what in the world is going on? Can I get a re-do? 

It's fine though, we are all hard on ourselves, are we not? My personal favorite part is when I have to look right into the camera and express how I am a Raw artist. Smiling could have helped this poor poor attempt of being a professional but hey, I do what I can, and I am so happy that this event in my life is a wrap! Enjoy the interview! 

"frenchie" & some tangelos.

Gah, thank the heavens above, I have finally finished my second painting out of six for my abstract series this semester. Did you know that finals are in three weeks? I have to knock out four abstract paintings in three weeks... what have I done to myself? This abstract, which I call "Frenchie" was a real pain. It started off great, ending up with some beautiful milky pours, and then when I tried to forget my brain and slab some thick oil on the canvas with the pallet knife, I thought I butchered the poor thing. It's all about the process and not allowing the process of it to drive you up a wall until your painting is finished. Fortunately, I think I am having a love affair with "Frenchie" and I may like her just a wee bit more than my "Boulevard." Whoops.

It was hard forcing myself to stay inside and paint away when it was 60 degrees and sunny! But it wasn't too hard when I popped in "The Help" and distracted myself with all things southern. I am really excited that it's warming up, especially with Easter weekend coming up, and seeing things become more green and begin to blossom. It really is a sweet reminder of our Savior's resurrection which makes me so excited for Easter Sunday.

I guess you can say hard work pays off, and surprisingly this is the first time I have gotten on my computer today and it's 8:30 at night. Do you know how big of a deal that is? I need to lay off the computer time because today was proof with how much I can get done, how much more I lived, and how much happier I was today and felt so productive. I was able to finish my painting in no time because I had little distractions and the reward for doing so... yes, I laid out in my backyard wearing yes, my swimsuit in Utah during the month of March. And no, I didn't really glue myself to my phone, instead, I read about five chapters in my book (hallelujah) and snacked on my new favorite citrus, tangelos, which you can imagine by the name is a mix of an orange and a tangerine and by golly, it was sweeter than candy!

spring break thus far.

Ah, I did it. I finally pushed myself to go to school today, on my Spring Break, while the school is closed, yes. And I began a new abstract that will be absolutely chic! Seen above is only the first layer. To get a better view, you can check out my instagram: RachieRobb. I can't wait to throw in some creamy lemons, nudes and peach tones in the mix of the greens. I hope it turns out as fabulous as I envision it in my head.

In other random, not important news, I got my haircut and colored today and I feel brand new. I cut off three inches and for once my "bangs" are almost as long as the length of my hair. I think I'm going to hold off on the whole she-bang idea because I've never experience this before and I feel so clean.

The weather has been amazing. I took an evening bike ride, alone. Well, I started out riding next to the Zoo as he ran, but he started to take me up hill, and I already did my workout for the day, and my tire was semi-flat so I ditched him and did my own thing with my motown music on full blast and I was in my element. I am kind of sad to leave warmness of Utah on Thursday because this is all so sudden and new for Utah and I have no idea how long it plans on sticking around. But I can't complain when I'm currently packing my bags for California. Though the trip is going to be quick, I'm going to take in every bit of it. I wish the Zoo could come with be but I'll be going solo, with friends of course, but it's just not the same without my love.