Written by These stunning doodlewashes come to us from Rachel Murphree in El Paso, Texas (originally from the northeast). Be sure to follow her blog to see more! In her blog posts she tries to present her process, including sketches and in-process paintings.
Rachel is a watercolor artist, part time librarian, and formerly very busy volunteer in PTA activities at her daughters’ school. She says, “Now that they are teenagers, I am following my passion for watercolor. I have a five year goal to make this my second career: to enter national shows, travel teaching watercolor, and thoroughly enjoy translating my vision of nature onto paper!”
In her artistic past Rachel created bead embroidery sculptures which won Juror awards at El Paso Arts International Shows. You can see photos on her blog of these sculptures.
Since 2014, her focus has been watercolor. She currently paints close ups of nature’s wonders and everyday aspects of life. “I strive for looseness,” she says, “and I am fascinated with light and shadow. I thoroughly enjoy sketching the subject to understand it and then translate that to the painting.”
Currently she’s participating in a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge which has artists worldwide showing their daily work. “The challenge is amazing because it’s not designed to produce gallery ready work, but it IS designed to keep you focused, keep you in the studio creating, painting, whether you’re too tired, or too busy, or whatever is the excuse!” (Love this!)
Rachel did this for the first time in January 2015 and produced about 20 paintings. The paintings from the current challenge can be seen here!
Rachel’s 2014 artistic goal was to enter one watercolor in the juried Arts International show. She entered three pieces, two were accepted and her fruit still life “Take a Bite” (shown here) won the watercolor award that year. This year she participated in a members show where she had 15 pieces, and she’s been accepted again for Arts International with her painting “October Leaves” (shown at the top of this post).
You can also follow Rachel on Instagram, Facebook, and Google+. She says, “My paintings are ‘Priced to Collect.‘ I have enjoyed creating them, and have learned a lot from the process. I have priced them affordably so people can have original artwork on their walls that makes them smile! Cards and prints of most paintings are available.”
Beautiful pieces Rachel! The colors in your paintings are gorgeous.
Couldn’t agree more! Glad you liked them Jessica! 😃
Bead embroidery sculptures sound so cool! What pretty colors in her palette!
I know! Makes me want to try new things!! 😉
I hear ya! Hubby says “no more new hobbies” though… 😛 LOL!
Yeah… I think I’m supposed to stick with only doodlewashing from here on out after mine gave me those expensive brushes. I can take a hint! Lol
Philippe is lucky you can take a hint; my hubby says I need direct commands….and I still don’t listen. 😉
Well I’m pretty much the same, but a gift like that counts as a direct command 😊😊
LOL! You’re so cute!
Beautiful!!! Fabulous guest 🙂
Yay! Glad you liked the feature!
These are beautiful!
Aren’t they though? I love the depth in Rachel’s paintings!
Rachel’s work conveys a beauty and tenderness that is so appealing. Her still life pieces are so inviting. I’m following, can’t wait to see more!!! 🙂
Yay! Made another match! 😉Thanks Eli!
Beautiful paintings. Love the vibrancy and looseness of the watercolors. The fruit still life has such a wonderful play of light, the grapes particularly look delicious and ready to eat. Thank you Charlie for a great feature.
She’s soooo good!! Glad you liked this one Huanani! 😃
Great work, Rachel! I’ve always been an admirer. Much continued success to you, and may your dream of an art career become reality! Well done, Charlie! 💛
Thanks, and I wholeheartedly agree, Laura!! 😃💜🎨Rachel is amazing!
They look so real, I thought I was looking at photos! Great job!
I know, right?! Rachel is a master! 😊😃
Wowsers! Jaw Dropping! I look forward to getting to follow and know Rachel. Thanks for another great intro Charlie O!
Jaw Dropping is a great description! And so happy to introduce you to Rachel, Jodi! ❤️😃
Great to see someone so focused and determined. Inspirational! (K.)
I know… Rachel is really inspiring. Made me wonder what my goals actually are! 😊Guess it’s time to figure that out and go for it!
Yes, I gave up on goals long ago…I’ve done OK with just dealing with what the world sends my way. Less disappointing too.
Thanks Charlie for introducing such a FABULOUS artist – Rachel!! I have also done beading and so I am thrilled to be be a new follower of Rachel’s blog! YAY Rachel! 😊🎨💜
Yay!! I’m always surprised when I feature a fellow WordPress blogger our group doesn’t already follow! So cool!! Hehe…so glad to make the connection!! 😃💜👍🏻
Congratulations Rachel on your award winning watercolors! Your paintings are brilliant. Thanks again Charlie’s for inviting Rachel as your guest.
You’re quite welcome! Honored to feature Rachel’s amazing work! 😊
Rachel is one of my favs and here you are showcasing some stunning work. I admire Rachel and want to follow in her footsteps, or rather doodle strokes!
Hehe…she is so inspiring, isn’t she? Just beautiful work!
Wow, these are beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing, Charlie!!!
I know!! Rachel is incredible! Follow! Follow! Hehe
Mission accomplished! 😊 I follow.
Yes!! Hehe