Thursday, December 27, 2012

to the Universe...

Thank you!!!!

an artsy holiday...decking the walls

I think that it's much easier to walk into wal-mart, pick out a gift, drop it into the cart, head home, wrap it...and viola...let the gift giving commence.
Yet...as an artist it's joyous to have one of your paintings requested as a gift...especially when you can stray from the norm of what you normally paint in an effort to go the extra mile to make the gift receiver smile that much more!

This Christmas was no exception. I'd been wanting to paint something that was music related for some time...but this piece here on the left was for Chris' eldest daughter Hannah (she's a junior) who has played the trombone at Pike-Delta-York since at least the 8th grade maybe even longer. I've had the privilege of watching her play at home football game half-times and various local parades throughout the past year and a half. What an honor for me to create a piece in honor of her and her passion for playing the trombone! Painted with acrylic paint on wood with collaged lettering (also incorporating Hannah's favorite color of bright bright green) what fun is was to paint this piece and present it to her for Christmas 2012!


This little blue bird painting was the result of a special request. My mother-in-law had asked for a blue bird painting for Christmas...and what fun this guy was to create! Painted with acrylic on wood he emerged beautifully on the canvas.

There's just something very fulfilling about painting birds of the wild. They are so very beautiful and each one is different and unique in its own way.

These pieces here a but a sampling of the joy of holiday gift-giving and creating one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family for the holidays!  I am blessed beyond words to have the ability to create such smiles for others!

Merry Christmas to all!

to learn more about Rachel's art visit www.racheldickson.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

in the spirit of Christmas...winter...and frivolity

It may be difficult to tell from this photo what exactly is going on here. So I'll make it a bit easier and just tell you. Snow kayaking. Yep.

Crazy notion I know...but...I couldn't help myself. Here I was in Tennessee after a rare big snow...and no sled could be found ANYWHERE! (Not kidding...no sleds in stores, no ice-salt for sidewalks...although I did discover that Epsom salt worked well as a substitute...but I digress.)

So as not to miss a snowy-opportunity...as there was a rather larger, steep hill behind my house...I got to thinking. What might I use to enjoy this snow in the spirit of winter?

BING! Kayak of COURSE! So off I went into the garage...pulled my kayak down to the top of the hill...and OFF I went!! The fence at the bottom of the hill really wasn't enjoying the wintery fun as much as I was...and proceeded to try and kabash my fun...but I adapted and managed not to bleed in any way (the smile on my face can attest).

Now living in Ohio...we here are hoping for a white Christmas...which here isn't all that rare. The hills we have for sledding are designed specifically for sledding (so steep they're hard to get to the top)...so I won't be dragging my kayak to commit sledding suicide...but we are in the market for some big ole tractor tire tubes. Those are the BOMB for sledding here! (and sleds ABOUND in stores because sledding here in Ohio is a movement all its own!)

So here's to whatever weather strikes your fancy in which to enjoy your Christmas holidays! I'm hoping for some snow-ball chucking...and some life-size snow-sculpting among other things.

In the mean time, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
and a VERY Merry Christmas!

to learn more about Rachel Dickson and her sometimes not-so-artistic-adventures 
visit www.racheldickson.com


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Bits and bobs from an artists studio (an excerpt from Nov. 15 art enewsletter)

The art of naming art? Yep, I'm talking about painting naming.

I often wonder if anyone notices the name of a painting? Yet name selection for a painting from one artist to the next is sorta like children naming. Everyone has various different reasons for going about picking a name than the next person.

Artists often just skip the naming process altogether and just slap an "Untitled" on it. I can't be bothered with such skipping! NO. (Call it a pet-peeve but all art should have a name...just saying.)

So, you may ask, how do I go about choosing a name for my paintings? I tend to take the approach of waiting until a piece is complete...and letting the piece tell me its name. Sure I take into consideration the content of the painting and often mix in a bit of the intent of the piece too before I reach for a specific title or name.

Art naming for me has always been a very FUN way to finish of work of art. After all, a painting is never truly complete in my book until two things happen. One, it's signed by the artist and two, it has a name.

Shoot me your thoughts on the topic of art naming...I'd love to hear your feedback.

email rachel at racheldickson.com

Want to learn more? Visit racheldickson.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Northern Cardinal...and my oh my what FUN to create this one!

I've been biting at the bit to paint some more Northern Cardinal paintings and this lil guy here on the left is the result of today's studio time!

"Northern Cardinal" is an original acrylic on wood painting measuring 4.50" x 5.25" by 1.00".

Don't delay if you love it and want to either gift it to one of your artsy-bird-lover-friends or for your own collection...cause everyone who sees this is saying "this one isn't gonna be for sale long."

GIFT it, Grab it!  It's only $37.00!

Like this painting by artist Rachel Dickson? 
Learn more by visiting  www.racheldickson.com/rachels_art.htm

Ships in 1-4 business days to most anywhere in the US.

Onward and upward for the arts!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Table for Two ...more wine art.

If you like to sip a glass of wine with friends...then you'll already understand this of my newest paintings fresh out of the art studio. Titled "Table for Two" it depicts that moment of intimate conversation and sharing amongst friends.
Wine has been paired with food for ages...but I contend that wine pairs with friends, with conversation, and especially with art!
An original painting with acrylic paints and decoupage on wood panel and measuring 9.25"x 9.75" this special piece will make a GREAT gift for your artsy friends OR might just be that next conversation piece when you have your friends over for some chill time.

Like this painting by artist Rachel Dickson? 
Learn more by visiting  www.racheldickson.com/rachels_art.htm

Ships in 1-4 business days to most anywhere in the US.

Onward and upward for the arts!

Art and Wine (an excerpt from my Oct. 2012 Enewsletter)

Here's a fun wine to try the next time you're entertaining.  Why not try some Red Truck?. If you read my August enewsletter you learned that Merlot is one of my favorite reds, yet Red Truck currently offers a number of red options. Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Wine (a  blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Syrah) and Merlot to name a few of them.

"Dried cherries and spices blend with hints of chocolate and olive to round out this most elegant and delicious wine," says John Allbaugh about Red Truck Central Coast Merlot.


I totally dig red wine. There's just something about sipping on a glass of red wine while gazing at original artwork. It's true! So I thought that if I like wine and art...surely others do too. Yet seeking a wine for a specific taste is as fun
as seeking that fabulous piece of art for your collection. (hmmm, maybe this is the correlation?)


Wine is notoriously paired with food in mind...but what about pairing wine with art?


I'd love to hear what some of your favorites might be. Please share your thoughts, shoot me an email at rachel (at) racheldickson.com


Click here to view Red Truck Wines of Sinoma, CA
 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Black birds on a wire and other such fun!

I'm not really sure why, but I seem to have a fascination with electrical line poles, electrical pole lights and the birds that choose to perch there.
I remember coming home from college for a holiday break and driving down the country road only to notice a black bird hanging upside down (clearly dead) from an electrical line as if it had just keeled over and never let go.
A sad day for that bird of course, but I remember thinking how funny that was...that this bird didn't let go and was now silhouetted against the blue sky. I suppose ever since that day I've payed much closer attention to birds on a wire.
This little painting is titled just that, "Black birds on a wire" and is 7 and a half inches wide by 4 inches tall by 1 inch think and is acrylic paint on oak wood.
I'm having lots of fun painting birds and judging by the response I'm getting...many of you are enjoying these as well! so...onward and upward for the arts!

If you'd like to learn more about this painting by Rachel Dickson visit www.racheldickson.com/rachels_art.htm

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

HOT out of the studio!!!

I LOVE little birds! And I especially love wrens. Hence the inspiration for this little painting titled "Bewick's Wren on the Fence".
I've decided to paint a bird series, this one being the first. And since nature is very much an inspiration for me to paint...how perfect that little birds be the stars of this series!

This little painting measures 4.75 inches by 5.00 inches and is painted on recycled oak leaving the original bark at the top exposed for rustic flair.

Want to learn more? Click here to view this painting and others that are for sale by artist Rachel Dickson.

Friday, October 19, 2012

The Capital Grille is doing a VERY fun thing! and I couldn't help myself...


Here's what it just might look like! I created this piece of artwork in the hopes it might adorn the bottle of a special Cabernet Sauvignon.
Capital Grille (locations in Orlando, FL, and Atlanta, GA to name a few) is currently hosting a artist series wine label competition.
According to their website they are looking for a spectacular wine label to adorn their equally spectacular wine and invite artists to create it. The winning artist will see their masterpiece featured on an exclusive, world-class Cabernet Sauvignon served in every Capital Grille restaurant! The wine inside the bottle is as much a work of art as the label artists will be creating to adorn it. Blended exclusively for The Capital Grille by Heidi von der Mehden of Arrowood Winery in Sonoma, in collaboration with Capital Grille's own Master Sommelier, George Miliote.
So I entered!! My thoughts were...if a hummingbird would approach this wine...you KNOW it's gotta be good. I like wine...and have stood in the wine aisle looking at label after label. When I came across this opportunity I just couldn't pass it up and created this painting which if nothing else might make you wanna try the wine!
To learn more about this artist series competition visit The Capital Grille online.
Nothing like a good 'ole competition to inspire a new painting.
Thank you Capital Grille for the opportunity!
Stay tuned...I will post here if my artwork is selected to adorn this special 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon.

To learn more about Rachel Dickson and her art visit http://www.racheldickson.com

To learn more about The Capital Grille visit http://www.thecapitalgrille.com


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Coffee mug art?? Good to the last drop!










If you are a coffee drinker, then I am confident you, like I, have a favorite coffee mug or two. I used to have these FABULOUS coffee mugs that featured paintings by Van Gogh and Monet and Matisse. My favorites of these mugs featured "The Starry Night" and "Cafe Terrace at Night" both of which were painted by Van Gogh. Having never forgotten these mugs...I got to thinking, I wonder if I could have my artwork on a mug? Well, thanks to zazzle.com this is now possible!!

Check it out! 
http://www.zazzle.com/racheldickson*

well, that turned out to be pretty cool!














Last Thursday I had the privilege of having my artwork on display and for sale at the downtown Toledo Art Walk hosted by the Toledo Art Commission.

Special thanks to Brenda and George Benson for recommending that I participate!

Ironically, I think I received the most comments about how I went about hanging and displaying my art. (not sure if that's a good thing or not?) But anyway, here's photos of the display.

Foot traffic at these sorts of art affairs is always impossible to predict...so I went into this with a wide-open mind and decided that if nothing else...I'd use the experience to learn and build on the next one. Needless to say, it was very educational and wonderful to be surrounded by other artists once again!














Want to view more of Rachel's art? click here 


No idea what the next art venture might be...but I'll certainly keep everyone posted. Until then...enjoy the art! 


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Old brick buildings, sidewalks and fine art

619 Monroe Street in downtown Toledo will be the site among many sites for tonight's (Sept, 13, 2012) Art Walk hosted by the Toledo Art Commission.

To view the map of all participating art venues tonight click here.

Come on downtown tonight and stop by what's listed as #11 (Hannon's Block, 619 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH) on the art walk map and say "Hi" to me while viewing the artwork of so many great local artists!!

After having attended some of the art walks of 2012 here in Toledo, I'm very excited to be able to show and sell my work tonight! I'll be featuring some brand-spanking-new art work tonight too!

Special thanks to Chris Summers and Brenda and George Benson for making this a possibility!

See you there!

For more info about Rachel's art visit http://www.RachelDickson.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Myths, Rivers and Rocks














YES, Michigan!  ....and oh so fabulous!
I had the privilege of visiting a place this past weekend that I haven't seen in YEARS! The Mackinac Bridge! This bridge separates Lake Huron and Lake Michigan and connects the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula of the State of Michigan. It's quite a site to see. (In fact, click here to view the Mackinac Bridge Camera view)

Most amazing to me was the clarity of the water. I'd forgotten how clear the rivers and lakes of Michigan are...and Lake Huron most certainly did NOT disappoint. The clarity of the waters of Lake Huron remind me of the painting above because you can see the rocks on the bottom through this clear water.

Anyhow...this little mini-abstract titled "Lethe" was named for the mythological river of the same name.
Primarily painted with hues of blue, black, green, orange and silver acrylic paints it measures only
3.50" x 3.50" x 0.75" (Please note the size of this piece. Hence the name mini.) and is painting on an oak wood block. 

Want to learn more about this mini-painting?
Click here to view or purchase the abstract painting "Lethe".

Thursday, August 23, 2012

#58 Put art in your life!!

I'm a HUGE Tom Peter's fan. In fact, when it comes to business progressive thought...this is the guy I turn to for information. He's a business-info guru! And at the same time, he's not touting rhetoric that we've all heard over and over and over. He understands staying "ahead of the pack" in how one runs they're business, department and even themselves.
So...every now and then, I go to his website to see what the latest greatest mind-blowing thoughts are...low and behold I found a .pdf titled "Tom Peter's 100 Ways to Succeed/Make Money" -item #51-75. So I clicked there and low and behold I smiled when I read #58!!!! Here's a guy who studies all facets of business everyday. Talks to hundreds of fortune 500 CEO's and Execs...travels all over the world speaking to thousands upon thousands weekly...and yet...READ what he rights as NUMBER FIFTY EIGHT!!
Click here to download the .pdf and see for yourself. (scroll down to see #58) I love it when I find business people whom I respect...and they validate my own ideas. LOVE THAT!!!
So I'll go ahead and say it here...if you don't have art in your place of work, where you live, and where you play...you're missing the boat. We ALL need inspiration around us to keep us pushing towards that person we're working to become!! Let it be ART!
happy inspiration! ...oh and check out www.tompeters.com and be prepared to be inspired!
Rachel

Decide to buy art! Need some ideas?
visit http://www.racheldickson.com/rachels_art.htm

Monday, August 20, 2012

JFK and Everyone Knows That?



















There are many memorable (some good and some not-so-good) moments that have happened throughout history and one of those being the moment that JFK was assassinated. Ask anyone who was living at that time if they remember where they were when they heard the news of this event and they can tell you exactly where they were! (funny how those moments stick in our memories forever)

Well, I opted to name this painting "Everyone Knows That" as a play on the facts of that day. Who killed JFK and why? Everyone doesn't know that...in fact it's been a topic of debate since that fateful day. Did the shots come from the grassy knoll? Did they come from the Texas school book depository? Did they come from both? And why? What were the motives behind this terrible killing of a U.S. President? Whatever really went down that day, everyone knows that....something is definitely "off" about the whole story.

Titled, "Everyone Knows That," this painting is an original acrylic painting on wood measuring 7.50 inches by 7.75 inches. Primarily painted with hues of purple, navy blue, orange, green and silver acrylic paints this piece would be a fabulous compliment to any art collection!
Click here to view more info and purchase "Everyone Knows That".

For more artwork by Rachel Dickson visit www.racheldickson.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Up a creek without a PBR

Well, I'll just go ahead and cut to the chase here and say my piece wasn't selected as a winner. But sure was FUN to create!!!

Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer has been hosting a "Draw Responsibly" contest of sorts since 2007.  I accidentally found out about this art contest and thought to myself, "now THAT would be fun to enter!"

Viola..here is the result of side one and side two of "Up a Creek Without a....PBR".

I've been waiting to paint something cool on this fab little mini-canoe paddle I've been toting around. I love canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting...so somehow having a mini-paddle resonated as no less than awesome to me. What BETTER thing to use as a canvas and to paint a coolio "ode to PBR" on said wooden-paddle?

I submitted this image to pbrart.com but for whatever reason it wasn't (at least as far as I've seen) added to the image gallery on their site? Anyhow, I would have been in the running for a chance to win $1893 in cash, schwag and fame! Regardless the outcome...I've got a really fun piece of original PBR art. And fyi, at present this piece of art isn't for sale. It's just too cool to sell at the moment.

Booyah, Pabst Blue Ribbon.  Thank you for the opportunity!

To learn more about PBR Art visit www.pbrart.com

Congratulations to artist Loren Hoopiiaina Shaw for winning!!!
visit https://www.facebook.com/octopabst to view the winning piece of PBR art.

Drink and Draw responsibly.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The wishing tree

I grew up as one of those kids that occasionally sat underneath a big ole tree and imagined grandeur and the granting of three wishes.

This newest painting fresh out of the studio I've titled, "The Wishing Tree", with that in mind. Nature not only inspires us to rest and enjoy what we've been gifted with in life, but also to dream our dreams. To live our dreams.

So to those who hold fast to their dreams...and continue to strive for living those dreams...this painting would be a great addition to your collection!

To view this painting and more click here.

Monday, July 30, 2012

The ebb and flow of nature's music.

There's something very fulfilling about spending time out on the water. This morning I had the opportunity to go out on the Delta Reservoir and paddle around with Reese's Pieces in tow (lil fox terrier). No, she's not really a big fan of sitting on my lap in a kayak...but hopefully after enough trips she will grow more accustomed to being on the water.(And at least this time she didn't nose dive into it doggy paddling to shore as fast as her little paws could carry her)
Needless to say...I've always loved being on, near and around water. And while the Delta Reservoir is no Harrison Bay...it does offer a beauty all its own...and the peacefulness of hearing the water lap against the side of the boat is the same anywhere. Nature's music...a quiet stillness that causes your mind to take a deep breath and relax.

I used to think that there's not very much water around Northwest Ohio...but as I look...I stand corrected.
More to explore! Yes!


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

PBR Art!!









I stumbled across an art opportunity the other day that I just COULDN'T pass up!!!
Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer has been hosting a "Draw Responsibly" contest of sorts since 2007. And geez...I'm just NOW finding this out? Slacker!
Anyway, I visited pbrart.com two days ago and decided...heck-to-the-yeah...I'm so doing this!
And viola...here is the result of side one "Up a Creek Without a....PBR".
(side two coming here-to-for)
I've been waiting to paint something cool on this fab little mini-paddle I've been toting around. I love kayaking and whitewater rafting...so somehow having a mini-paddle resonated as no less than awesome to me. What BETTER thing to use as a canvas and paint a coolio "ode to PBR?"
So wish me luck! I submitted this image to pbrart.com this morning. Puts me in the running for a chance to win $1893 in cash, schwag and fame!
Booyah, Pabst Blue Ribbon.  Thank you for the opportunity!


To learn more about PBR Art visit www.pbrart.com


Drink and Draw responsibly.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Gold Peak Tea $100K Take the Year Off, yes please!

Okay. This is just COOL!! And yes, I've applied!
Gold Peak Tea is offering a chance to win $100K a case of tea and to take the year off and enjoy life in a home-brewed fashion.
Brilliant! Now...not only do I dig the brand Gold Peak, but this also really made me think about what I'd do with $100K.
I've thought through this before...over and over in fact. Yet not in the manner that Gold Peak requests when you fill out the application. Why am I more deserving than the next applicant? Now there is an interesting question!!
I'm not sure that anyone person is truly more deserving than another...(anyone can spend $100K) but nonetheless, were I to be chosen in the top 10...the next step is to submit a video as to why I should be the one to receive the $100K. hmmmm, this shall be very interesting. And what FUN!!!!
Thank you Gold Peak Tea. I LOVE a drink that makes me think!

There's only 4 days left to apply so hurry!
To learn more go to: https://www.facebook.com/GoldPeakTea

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The most potent and consequential words in American history!

The Declaration of Independence is a pretty big deal! It was ultimately a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2, 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain. (Independence Day  is celebrated on July 4, the day Congress approved the wording of the Declaration.)
Yet in this document was penned what has been called "one of the best-known sentences in the English language", containing "the most potent and consequential words in American history."  The ENTIRE document has come to be considered a major statement on human rights, particularly its second sentence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

In honor of the celebration of the United States Declaration of Independence...I painted this painting titled Justice and Liberty for All. It measures 10.75"x9.50" and is painted on aged barn wood.

Happy celebrating this 4th of July!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

This is SO cool it's going on my website's "cool stuff" page!


THIS is COOL! Chip It! by Sherwin-Williams allows you to instantly turn any picture online into a palette using over 1,500 Sherwin-Williams paint colors! I tried it out myself and the image on the left is the result. How COOL! Now you can take an image of a piece of art and paint your room incorporating colors that compliment. Genius!!

Go try it out!!! It's TONS of fun!
http://letschipit.com

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

What does "luxury" represent?

This is a question that's been popping in and out of my thoughts over the past few weeks. What does luxury represent and what might its link to art be?
So I googled "luxury". Interestingly...I found some trends.
First off...I had no idea there were multiple periodicals dedicated to the subject. Here's just a few: www.luxuryhomemagazine.com, www.luxurylv.com, www.modernluxury.com, www.robbreport.com, and on and on the list goes.
As I sorted through many of these sites I was looking for a common thread...specifically does art fall into this category? Without a doubt!!!
The common items I saw linked with the term "luxury" were as follows in no specific order, nor is this list anywhere NEAR complete...this is just a sampling of what I found.
Luxury equals: Yachts (boating), large homes (real estate), exotic travel (adventure), private jets (aviation), high-end automobiles, watches (jewelry), cigars & spirits, wine and ART!!
I am MOST intrigued that art is always a part of the topic of luxury. Yet, after looking through many many websites that told me what luxury was...it dawned on me...."wait a minute. These 'luxury' items are what I'm being SOLD are 'luxury' items. Hold on...are those items what I, ME, truly feel are luxurious to me?? I have a lot of art! Yet I don't consider it a luxury item.
So let's break this down a bit more. Dictionary definition: a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity OR free or habitual indulgence in or enjoyment of comforts and pleasures in addition to those necessary for a reasonable standard of well-being.
For me, art doesn't fit into this category of a luxury item as defined above...unless of course we're talking about an original Picasso or Renoir (pricing in the millions). Art is a NECESSITY item to me. And there's so many price ranges in the art world to choose from.
I'm curious what your thoughts might be about this. Is art a luxury? Is it a necessity? Or is art something only the uber-wealthy purchase? Is the fact that art is considered "untouchable" in the minds of so many keeping you from owning an original piece of art? (Is that like some sort of false advertising to keep everyone from owning art??) Art is for EVERYONE!
My own personal mental jury is still out deliberating the final verdict concerning what is "a luxury to me"...
Until then...check out some affordable art!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Justice and Liberty for All

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have lost their lives serving the United States as a service member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard.
In honor of those who have lost their lives I've painted two new paintings.
Rest in Peace, you are not forgotten!

Click here to view "Justice and Liberty for All" and "Stars and Stripes Forever"

Both of these paintings are painted on old barn wood from the big red barn on the farm I grew up. Nothing more representative of American than the farm.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Fresh out of the studio!!



I'm excited to announce FOUR new painting releases! I had a lot of fun painting in hues of green this go-round...along with some blue bases. The one here shown on the left I've titled, "Dance to the beat of your own drum" since this has been a topic on my mind lately...how appropriate eh?

To view this piece as well as check out other original art that's still available
click here

oh and I also just published the latest enewsletter! If you're not getting these by email...it's simple to sign up. Just go here.

In the mean time...visit www.racheldickson.com for all the latest!

Monday, April 30, 2012

...and FuN was had by ALL!

Bowling Green, OH played host to the 19th Annual ARt Walk where downtown businesses featured local artists work for a day. Chris nor I had ever attended before...so off we went for a fun day exploring downtown Bowling Green.
I'd equate the experience somewhat to an art scavenger hunt. Before heading out I scoured the Internet for some sort of map or direction for a plan of attack (like where to park and what stores to visit to view this artwork) but came up empty handed.
Chris and I are both fairly easy going so we weren't at all stressed over the fact that we were just gonna have to wing it.  We figured there would be signs or some sort of direction once we arrived.
She being much more familiar with the layout of Bowling Green...we parked behind the Ben Franklin store downtown (which was where we found these STELLAR glasses pictured here) and off we went. Somewhere along the line we found a brochure with a map of participating stores...but by that time we were having fun scavenging for participating sites.
All-in-all it was a VERY fun day indeed! I'm not sure who organized the Art Walk, but it did get us into many stores of downtown Bowling Green, OH and we did see some local art in the process!
Stay tuned....because next I'm going to recap the art opening we went to at Angelwood Gallery in Grand Rapids, OH that same evening. Now THERE was a STELLAR event!!
until then...onward and upward for the arts....

Monday, April 16, 2012

When nature calls!

I recently had the pleasure of visiting one of my very favorite places in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Within the park itself I've always felt drawn to the Greenbrier National Park area.

My mom and I were meandering up the Ramsey Cascade trail along the Little Pigeon river and stopped along the way to have a picnic lunch. A few feet away from where we were sitting was this truck sized rock. It was HUGE!

I couldn't help but think what a FABULOUS canvas that rock would be for some abstract water art. So off I went (nearly slipping into the creek at one point...to which mom chuckled..."don't fall in") and began to sling water onto the face of the rock...and the photo above left is the result. I'm pretty sure that my joy in this experience had mostly to do with the fun in creating...not so much in the final result.

Yet another reason to embrace spontaneity. Art is everywhere!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Graduation is right around the corner!

We all know there are many special dates, holidays, occasions and reasons to give gifts. And Graduation is right around the corner.

But how many times have we received a gift that felt empty or simply obligatory? So why give a gift that implies obligatory? Make it special...give ART!

CLASS of 2012 Art!

As that young person you know is celebrating the beginning of a new era in their life...why not give them something that they will cherish for the rest of their life? Give ART!

Click here to select your graduating senior's art gift.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

HOT off the press! Just published first enewsletter...

Check out the HOT off the press first issue of my enewsletter! Naturally an envolving project...I would love to hear your comments!

Click here to view the enewsletter!

If you're not already signed up to receive this "all things art" enewsletter take a second and join. It's easy.

Click here to sign up for future enewsletters.

Just click the image above and enter your name and email. Since it's an opt in list...you'll have to go to your email after you sign up and click on the confirmation email to complete the sign up process.

Cheers! and onward and upward for the arts!!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

moved my office outside...

The weather as most of you know has been STELLAR lately! So I couldn't help myself when it came to moving my office outside for the afternoon.
Set up a temporary studio on the picnic table in the backyard and soaked up some sun while working on some new paintings.
Drawback of painting outside? Your paint dries faster than you really want it to.
Bonus of painting outside? Besides the obvious of simply BEING outside...both dogs, and one of the indoor cats, Lito, was exploring the great outdoors while I was busy painting away. The chickens are cluckin around scratchin up bugs and such...and I hear the traditional "something is wrong" chicken call. "Baulk BAULK bak bak bak bak". (For those of you who've heard chickens cluck before...you know what this sounds like). Anyway, I looked up and then cracked up when I saw that Lito was "hunting" the chickens...in so much that when the rooster caught wind of the impending pounce did the typical head down charge beak forward in an effort to ward off Lito from his hen pals (... let me just say here that if Lito HAD actually touched one of the chickens he probably would have been shocked by doing so and freaked out in a stunned sorta manner). HILARIOUS!
Just another episode in the domesticated pets meet farm animal variety. Probably not something most folks get to watch from their desk. Gotta love country livin!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Arbor...means what??

The word "aboretum" being the original Latin word for a place where trees are cultivated for special purposes, like scientific study...yet not the greatest word to title a painting. However, related to the word "aboretum" is "arbor" (meaning shady place with sides and roof formed by trees or shrubs) which is what I chose to name this painting.

This painting is still available for purchase! Click here to view "Arbor" on the online gallery.

Not only is this painting painted onto a part of a tree...but it also represents a sort of flowing between and hedged giving a safe feeling. I love not only how the abstraction of color came out in this piece...but also how the wood itself perfectly frames it in.

Worried about not having enough wall space to add this to your collection? NOT TO WORRY! It's a mini-abstract original measuring only 5.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall...AND the BEST part???? It's affordable! With shipping it's less than $36 dollars. YEP!

Purchase "Arbor" for your own collection or give as a gift.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Wedding Gifts...Art!

Art is an often overlooked wedding gift, probably because most people consider it too expensive, or think that they don't know the couples taste well enough. The good news is that you can find great art to buy as a wedding gift that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Click here to view some Gift Ideas

Original artwork is one-of-a-kind. Fantastic pieces of original art are available for any liking, taste, color-scheme or genre. So if the couple you're buying for are avid art lovers or if they are simply seeking to start their collection with a piece they acquired together...you MUST give them art!

Trees...forever art

I've always admired trees. Having grown up in the farmlands of NorthWest Ohio, naturally there was loads of open terrain...acres and acres of corn and soybean fields. Trees generally were in clumps here and there...or at the local park.

Of course, I'm sure it's not just me. Trees seem to whisper calm as we stroll by them on a walk through the woods or a hike up a mountain. Inspirational on their own accord.
And google "happy trees" and guess who's artwork appears? Bob Ross. So yes, trees don't just inspire me. :-)

Click here to view my most recent paintings.

Which is why I choose to paint on wood. Especially wood that still has the bark intact. It's like putting art on art.
This image above depicts a colorful railway tie that in itself could be hung on ones wall as art. Just something about wood...that inspires me. Nature's art. Love it!

Onward and upward as nature inspires us!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Earth as Art...inspired

I've known of NASA's "Earth as Art" project for quite some time. Probably some of THE COOLEST images of earth I've ever seen!

Click here to see images of earth from NASA's point of view.

Anyhow, I've been pondering how to put this into art form all this time...and rather than recreate those same images....and after attempting ...with a big ole fail... decided to simply use the colors found in these images as inspiration for abstraction.
Click here to view the paintings.

Gotta LOVE outdoor/earthy inspired original paintings!!!! POOF! I've created three paintings thus far using a color palette of greens, purples, blues, and oranges. Check it out.

Click here to view the paintings.


Onward and Upward for the arts!!

...buds on trees

It's that time of the year when we're jonesin to get outdoors. And in Northwest Ohio...it often looks nicer outside that it really is. But...the trees seem to think that Spring is in the air! Buds everywhere!

In the flat lands, the breezes tend to be brisk (cold). Which I say...YEAH for nylon parkas to cut said brisk wind. So on with the layers of clothes...and out into the sun...to bask in the birth of Spring!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Reds...

Announcing the release of "the red series!"

I'd been wanting to paint in reds...but hmmm, who knew how difficult it would be? Not really sure why...but reds challenged me.

So here's the finished product. Check it out.

http://www.racheldickson.com/rachels_art.htm

Just something about an outdoor fire...

I can't really explain it. But if you have ever hung out by an outdoor fire (campfire, charcoal grill, etc) you'll know what I mean. Cracklin, poppin sound, the smell of the smoke, and of course the heat. All of it is BRILLIANT during the dead of winter.

Which is why when I learned that Oak Openings Metro Park has these pavilions surrounding Mallard Lake where you can have such open flame and you don't even have to bring the wood!

Chris and I recently visited Oak Openings (which is most certainly a favorite of ours to go walkin in the woods. Chris says "walking", I say "hiking") and we enjoyed taking the time to hang out near a warm cozy fire.

Even on a cold, windy day...way fun!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Nature inspired original abstract art!

I've been wanting to paint abstracts seriously for a very long time...somewhere in the 3-5 years range.
Well, I finally decided IT WAS TIME!

Check out my original art shop at etsy.com by clicking the link below.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/racheldickson32

I welcome your feedback!

The one shown here is titled, "Arbor" and it is an acrylic on wood original painting that measures 5.50" x 4.50" x 1.00".

Mini-Abstract-Original art by Rachel Dickson.

Yeah 2012!!!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

...and the beat goes on!

Happy 2012 everyone!! Hard to believe yet another year has passed by chocked full of memories, experiences, sunrises and sunsets.
But as a new year comes...all of us have a tendency to reflect upon the previous year and evaluate the good, bad and ugly of it...and attempt to create a plan to avoid the bad and ugly and repeat more of the good and even improve upon it.
I find that I take the most pride in the moments that required extreme focus, good judgment and strong leadership...mixed with being in the moment...and trusting myself to make the right decisions. The memories I don't want to repeat I tend to fear...and yet...as in the book I've been reading "Flinch" states...it's the moments that push us, require us to step outside our comfort zone that broadens and expands who we are. So...in essence THOSE are the moments...the big fat mistakes....that make us a better people. It's our scars that tell the best stories anyway isn't it?
So embrace all of what 2012 has to offer!! Run, skip and jump your way to your best self.
...to our authenticity....Cheers!