This Is Why I Paint Them...

Owning Up to My "Why"

Hi friends,
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There was a moment, years ago, when I wondered if painting dogs was “serious” enough.
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Art school trains you to think in terms of galleries and critics and big statements. And here I was… painting someone’s Labrador. Or their senior rescue. Or the dog they had just lost.
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But then something kept happening.
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A woman would open the box.
She’d see her dog on canvas.
And she would cry.
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Not because it was perfect.
Not because it matched the couch.
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But because it felt like home.
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That’s when I understood — this isn’t about dogs.
It’s about belonging.
It’s about the quiet, steady presence that changes us.
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Yesterday I celebrated reaching 700 followers on Facebook by giving away phone wallpapers.
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Today, I want to celebrate differently.
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I’m giving away one small, original 5x7" dog sketch — hand painted — to someone in this community - chosen by the evening of Wednesday, March 4th.
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Not a print.
Not digital.
A real, tangible little piece made just for one sweet face.
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If you’d like to enter:
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1. Comment your dog’s name
2. Drop their photo on my Facebook post here​
3. Make sure you’re following the page
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That’s it.
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Even if you don’t enter, I’d still love to know…
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What’s your dog’s name?
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Hit reply and tell me.
I read every single one.
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Artfully yours,
Rachel

Thanks for Sharing!

For the next three months (March-May), I want to focus on growing my audience base, and I need your help! Would you mind sharing this email with someone you know who loves their dog (or any pet)? You don't realize how beneficial it will be to me. Also, if you follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, please share it out when you can on your social media pages. IT IS SO VERY HELPFUL to the growth of my art business and will hopefully help me reach more interested animal lovers.

THANK YOU FROM DEEP DOWN!

🐶 A Note from Rachel

I'm currently working on 2 commissions: one of Secretariat and a young man who got to go see him and touch him when he was about 12 years old. His mom is so very proud of that photo and wants to gift a painting of it to him. The other one is of 3 special Boston Terriers who have a been such a source of love and comfort to their owner. She recently lost 2 of them and wants to memorialize their impact on her life with a larger painting to hang in her home.

I will also be doing a series of sheep during March ("In like a lion, and out like a lamb"), so keep an eye open for those coming out soon. I also have a secret that I haven't shared with my social media folks yet that I want to share with you - my closest friends. I will be learning a new artistic medium called encaustics. It is melted wax that is mixed with pigments to create art. Often called "hot wax painting," it is a process of painting from liquid to solid, rather than wet to dry. It is very labor intensive, so the learning with take place over the next 3-6 months, but I hope to share some of my process and attempts here first!

Artfully yours,

Rachel

My life was transformed by my rescue dog, Lollipop 🍭. She is my muse and inspiration for my art. If you're interested in learning how to make artwork of your own dog, please let me know. That's where the Dog Mom Art Club can be a beneficial way for you to explore art and make fun artwork of your dog.

P.S. This address below is for KIT, my email provider. For business inquiries, reach out to me by replying to this email or sending a message to: rachel@rachelhollandart.com.