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!

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!

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!

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!!!

...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!