Artist Spotlight: Rachel Brown
1. Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?
My Mother and Grandmother were both artists, but it was not their full-time career, so although I was raised creating art 24/7 I really didn't view it as a career path until I moved to LA and met real working artists. That's when the lightbulb went off in my mind and realized that it was possible.. and I never looked back!
2. What drew you to creating beautiful images of animals?
I started out painting portraits of people, and would paint animals just for fun as a creative outlet. I felt like I could be more playful and whimsical with them and when I took them to an art show along with my portraits, the animals ended up being a hit. I kept getting requests for others and quickly realized that the inspiration was endless.
3. How do you select which animals to paint?
I always try to see and meet local animals when I'm traveling and usually have my camera with me to take pictures to work from when I'm back in the studio. I find that my best paintings are created when the inspiration from the encounter is fresh in my mind.
I always try to see and meet local animals when I'm traveling and usually have my camera with me to take pictures to work from when I'm back in the studio. I find that my best paintings are created when the inspiration from the encounter is fresh in my mind.
4. Friday, December 10th, is International Animal Rights Day. What is your favorite animal and why?
My favorite animal is the African Elephant- they are incredibly intelligent and beautiful but also fierce and very protective of their herd.
5. Can you share what your artistic process is like?
I am a night owl, and do my best work at night when most of the world is asleep. I find that my brain is quieter then. My idea of heaven is to have uninterrupted time in my studio late at night with the music cranked loud. I try to carve out blocks of time that are just for experimentation, as most of my days are working on commercial projects and commissions. I am trained in oil portraiture, but have been working primarily in watercolor and inks for the last several years.
7. What do you love about KATLA?
I love that KATLA not only creates beautiful clothes, but that it also makes the world a more beautiful place by being cruelty free and ethically sourced.
My favorite animal is the African Elephant- they are incredibly intelligent and beautiful but also fierce and very protective of their herd.
5. Can you share what your artistic process is like?
I am a night owl, and do my best work at night when most of the world is asleep. I find that my brain is quieter then. My idea of heaven is to have uninterrupted time in my studio late at night with the music cranked loud. I try to carve out blocks of time that are just for experimentation, as most of my days are working on commercial projects and commissions. I am trained in oil portraiture, but have been working primarily in watercolor and inks for the last several years.
6. What lesson do you think we can better learn from animals?
I think Bison represent a great metaphor for life- when a storm is approaching, instead of scattering and running AWAY from it alone (and therefore prolonging the effects and putting themselves in more danger) they herd TOGETHER and run through the storm... getting through it much faster and safer than they would alone. We need one another.
I think Bison represent a great metaphor for life- when a storm is approaching, instead of scattering and running AWAY from it alone (and therefore prolonging the effects and putting themselves in more danger) they herd TOGETHER and run through the storm... getting through it much faster and safer than they would alone. We need one another.
7. What do you love about KATLA?
I love that KATLA not only creates beautiful clothes, but that it also makes the world a more beautiful place by being cruelty free and ethically sourced.
You Might Also Like
