Moss Mountain Farm! A DREAM COME TRUE!
I am just tickled that my table linens dress the Moss Mountain Farm Barn luncheon tables and the event space in Little Rock, AR! I was even more flattered...
I am just tickled that my table linens dress the Moss Mountain Farm Barn luncheon tables and the event space in Little Rock, AR! I was even more flattered when I found out it was not just any gorgeous farm but the farm of one of America's most talented garden designers, P. Allen Smith as seen on PBS and Create! The country home of P. Allen Smith is designed to host extensive scale guest visits and entertainment and provide ornamental inspiration in and around the home. The grounds serve as a laboratory where Mr. Smith perfects design, planting, and maintenance practices.
This wholesale connection meant a lot to me because it reminded me that all my hard work was not in vain. Even though I don't always see or feel the benefits of staying active, promoting myself, doing all the business aspects, and being the artist creating, it consistently places opportunities in my path, and I am grateful.
Cattail and Meadowlark and all things serene!
The ponds sparkled, the wildflowers swayed…
The ponds sparkled, the wildflowers swayed, birds chirped, and the sun set on my shoulders.
Rachel creates abstract paintings!
Painting Abstracts and scapes are one way I cleanse out my mind.
“Painting Abstracts and scapes are one way I cleanse out my mind. The second half of this is done in words. ”
Click the images to watch me paint “Impart” & “Arise” two brand new abstract paintings
“Impart”
“Arise”
"Cut"
So yesterday, I attempted a simple little task to create an intro. I had nothing but time on my hands, and so…
Click the picture below to watch!!!
So yesterday, I attempted a simple little task to create an intro. I had nothing but time on my hands, and so I washed my hair...put on makeup! And rearranged my art studio into a “video” friendly set! A perk from doing this was my studio got cleaned! So needless to say I was left to my own undoing... I had a good laugh when I watched it back and thought....it’s perfect.
Forest of Faith a new mini-series!
I recently created a new mini-series of landscapes…
I recently created a new mini-series of landscapes that I write personal reflections on my journey and my experiences! Abstract paintings mingle with abstract descriptions that are meant to be equally important. Each image is available in a limited edition print, with only ten of each ever made. You can have the opportunity to purchase your prints here!
Adoration 14”x14” Acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas
I see so much love set before me, facets that can not even be recognized yet. Green meadows to stretch out on, lavender fields to rest upon, nurturing shelter abounds when I look to the ways of his unending deep love and perfect character. I change, but he does not.
Audacious 14”x14” SOLD Acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas
A willingness to take a bold risk, internal handling that can only be done by surrender, and some might say sacrifice. I see the pleasures ahead, the measures I will take seem to be boldly etched out on my divine appointment book. Run and not grow weary, charge forward, and chase the lion. Ok, I will go if you promise to hold my hand.
Baca 20”x16” Acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas
She walks through this valley; she makes it a place of springs; is it rain to bring a harvest, or is it showers to bring growth? The same she says as her paintbrush presses shades of red on the canvas. Full pallet knife swirls more while wet brush dilutes and takes away pigments creating spaces of pink. Red pastels create borders that cut. Pain and newness produce sustaining lessons. She goes from strength to strength.
notes: The Valley of Baca is mentioned in the Bible only once, in Psalm 84. Baca is rendered “weeping” in most translations: “What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings” (Psalm 84:5–6,
Be Still 14”x14” Acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas
When I choose the right presence, I am at rest. I strive to be still with the one who created a peaceful mind—tethered to him is a healing place. I can breathe easy and smile here. My heart can dance in heavenly places.
Gratitude 14”x14” Acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17
Holding the Vision 14”x14” SOLD Acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas
Anticipation bubbled within her. Each day has good in it because each day, she can choose joy. The reach gets shorter for the gifts promised when diligent patience becomes her prerogative.
Purpose 14”x14” Acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas
Prominent hues of burnt red, orange, and cadmium yellow blanket the foreground. In nature, warm colors represent change as in the changing of the seasons or the eruption of a volcano. Excitement met with cooling crystal tranquil waters and purifying forest air. I will take this combination any day!
Everlasting 24”x36” Acrylic paint and oil pastel canvas
Blue waters Turbulent or Tranquill? Walking here do I forage or feast? Peace and provision are in the eye of the beholder. Am I lost or on an ordained journey? Being centered amid any landscape, surely this takes practic. This takes diligence; this takes learning. This place holds much. I sit at the edge of the quenching waters; I am satisfied each time. If I make time, my cup will be filled. This place holds past present and future. A landscape that nurtures I know this place as my refining province. I look up to the tallest sky I feel small but nurtured all the same. He made my soul bigger than the universe. He makes me strong day by day; he is everlasting; he is all things.
Mark Making a solo show
“ You don’t know how precious vulnerability is until you release it with confidence!”
I wanted to elaborate on the night that will have my heart forever. I would catapult myself onto a stage. That stage would offer up my expressions in the form of writing and painting and guess what? It was magical! All the love and support I felt was humbling and fuel to keep creating in an honest way! You don’t know how precious vulnerability is until you release it with confidence! I did just that. About six months back, I found a roll of canvas leaned up in my basement. I quickly grabbed it and felt compelled to use its remains in pursuit of making something new. Something uncharted and unfamiliar. I had no preconceived vision. I grabbed oil pastels and poured paints onto my pallet. With each rich pigment, I became aware that this was a journey I was meant to take. My paintings were mirroring life as I knew it. One by one a story organically would unfold, it had to be a divine appointment! I was like a surrendered paintress with a voracious appetite to stay creating this theme of…me. The second layer of my show would be articulated through words which I’ll share in a moment! Tending to each painting felt freeing, I realized I wasn’t thinking while in the throws of laying paint and vigorously coloring withal pastels. I was using primal raw inspiration and doing it the only way I only knew how. My technique would be my soul. Each oil pastel was a translator to express direct emotion — no time for the traditional way with solvents and dawdling. I had a message to relay, and I needed it to be done in one gesture while I was emotionally engaged and attentive to what this painting was showing me. I would custom mix acrylic paint to perfect my mind's color wheel. I would use different utensils, and in all this, I was introducing myself to an uncharted territory that I felt compelled to ensue. After I felt emptied of making all this new artwork I decided I wanted to share them! I thought on a name that would encompass the paintings and I call it Mark Making!
“Each time your brush hits the canvas or your pencil makes a line; you are making a mark. It is a fundamental element in making any art, and it is how we begin to express emotion, movement, and other concepts we wish to convey in an artwork. That is Mark Making.”
-Marion Boddy-Evans
There are a beginning and completion to everything, we aren’t always present for both, but proof of the process is evident in art, life, and creation! This body of work indeed chose me; I did not select it. I found myself being led to create each painting in an orderly, organically, and a predestined timeframe. Serendipities and spiritual breakthroughs have poured into each picture. Surges of inspiration, experiencing life and its board game qualities. Speed bumps, puddles, reap, gather, move ahead three spaces but wait your turn. Great days are torn with anxious waiting rooms of life, then erased with stillness in quiet meditation.
I am in a classroom learning much. I am at times breathing calmly, mind at ease, letting the gentle current of God’s plan lead me. Other times a filter of turbulent waters and uneasy fallacies can exhaust me. But God is always there. Renewer, intentional, and steadfast. I am still creating new things. Beautiful things. He gives strength. He makes a way. I am new, and my branches are stronger as I dismantle deadwood — my paint strokes bolder my mind a landscape that sees prosperity and growth. Vibrant erratic colors blanket the base of my canvas, could it be that seed is in the soil? I invite you. Why hide? All of us are here with the same experiences. When we know that, the sun appears. It warms the back, and we don’t feel alone. On paper or canvas and in life, we are all mark makers.
The mystery isn’t so mysterious when it’s a relatable experience. -Rachel
Special Thanks to Stacy K and Ally for making this experience feel effortless, Frameworks for the gorgeouse framing as usual! Cordell my other half for supporting me in everything I do and being my safe haven, Amelia for baking her delightful macarons, Each of my special friends and family members for always backing me with sincere delight! And lastly to all who came out to hear my voice translated on canvas and in word!
Rachel’s solo exhibition was at the Courtyard in the Factory between Stacy K Floral and Nosh Restaurant! Russell Street Rochester NY
NEW NEW NEW POTTERY!
“This pottery is meant to be loved and for everyday use! Dishwasher safe, Oven safe, Microwave safe, and of course Food safe!”
It has been so inspiring to get acquainted with this bisqueware pottery! Sketching and applying underglazes as well as the sheer surprise of how each came out of the kiln was an experience in itself! Each piece of pottery is one of a kind! Whether you choose to use them for functionality, mounting on a wall, or displaying on a perfectly perched shelf, it’s up to you! It was a pure pleasure creating each one, and I hope they will bring that same joy to you!
Click Here to see all of it!
Rachel is keeping very busy!
“I am so grateful to be one of Parkleigh’s top 50 Vendors! Here is a short Q & A on the subject!”
Rachel Cordaro started off with just a few cards in our MacKenzie-Childs Department. Our customers loved them! We quickly expanded her selection and her art pieces have developed quite the following! Rachel’s brand is now one of our top 50 vendors!! Out of the 1,000s of brands we carry her art and vision is really speaking to our guests! We love supporting local artists and are thrilled by Rachel’s success. Our MacKenzie-Childs manager asked her some behind the easel questions to find out about the blooming success of her floral art.
What’s your current inspiration?
My current inspiration has truly been the gift of being an artist for a living. I draw my creativity from the settled heart that can create any time it wants to and that is a beautiful thing! Sometimes my weeks are packed with errands, deadlines or on occasion hoisting up art tents, while schlepping artwork here and there but I do it with a smile and a Starbucks if I can juggle it. The majority of days I experience the things dreams are made of at home in my art studio. The walls are a Hydrangea blue with morning light pouring in. Not a huge space but those 4 walls nurture a special place that I can paint, stare at a half finished painting in my comfy chair with a mug up to my lips thinking what stroke I should make next. I’m happiest in messy clothes, messy bun and paintbrush in hand whether it’s on canvas or pottery! Some days I don’t go in my studio to work I spend the day reading, walking through nature, or soaking in some sun and laughs with the people I love! I live by this motto…"Leave room for inspiration and the mood to create will present itself!" I am truly getting to do what I believe I was made to do and that is create art!
You offer your art so many ways! What’s your favorite medium or piece of work?
My favorite medium is defiantly heavy bodied acrylic paint! I love the way it mixes with other colors on my pallet, the thick layers sit atop the canvas giving another dimension to my florals! Some of my favorite colors include Bronze yellow, Parchment, Mississippi mud and Midnight Garden. My favorite piece of artwork I have ever painted is a large magnolia painting that hangs in my art studio called “Flower Market” I guess I like it because it was one of my first Magnolia paintings I ever did and they are my favorite blossom!
Why do you like selling at Parkleigh?
I love selling at Parkleigh because their boutique carries lots of the things I love! I grew up coming to Parkleigh and was dazzled by the character of the building. Everyone can agree it’s a treat to walk out of Parkleigh with a bag in hand, it just makes you feel happy! I can’t believe I am now one of Parkleigh’s top 50 vendors!
