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Artist Statement

  "I grew up living in the middle of an English wood, where my brother and I spent most of our time making dens and treehouses. It is undoubtedly this experience that created my fascination with painting trees.  I would stand for ages with both hands on a tree, trying to see if there really are tree spirits. I believe there are.
  I studied fine art, textiles and then a BA hons in Illustration in the UK; all of which directed me into the way I paint now. After years of traveling I moved to New Zealand ten years ago, and got lost in the diversity of the landscapes that I was surrounded by.
  From doodling intricate ball point pen drawings to loose wash water colours; I’ve always been trying to capture the images that I see.  As time has progressed, the tree  and nature paintings that I create have taken on life of their own; I try to push new boundaries of perception and dimension to the eye. I recreate the texture of bark with modelling paste and other ‘secret’ mediums that are tactile and 3-dimensional, giving the paintings a sense of realism that draws the viewer in further.
  I’m endlessly fascinated with using different techniques to recreate the vibrant colours I see in nature.
  Painting and art is my passion; it’s all I ever want to do. The tree paintings are an extension of that passion."

Publication
Rachael was fortunate enough to be one of the chosen artists to feature in Denis Robinson’s New Zealand Gallery book, published in 2010.

More about Rachael

Rachael has spent time teaching art at a primary school to eight year old children. She also taught art in a residential home for the elderly.
In 2008, Rachael was funded to fly to Australia and teach art to a group of autistic adults for the day (Acorn Artists), she then attended the launch of  their website and helped to sell paintings by the group at the launch.
Rachael's illustrations are published in a Children's picture book in New Zealand, and her watercolour sketches are published in a poetry book in England.
She is inspired by travel and nature, and has successfully exhibited in England, Australia, America, France and currently New Zealand.
Rachael is a full time professional artist and illustrator.