As far back as she can remember, Rachel has always had a deeply rooted interest in the arts and the creative process. Long day trips to The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. inspired her with admiration for the old masters. Their dedication to excellence deeply impacted her own work and aims.

She briefly attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia where she intended to study nursing. But as she began drawing bones instead of memorizing them, she quickly returned to her first love, which has always been painting. Rachel studied classical portraiture with Lisa Semerad, Timothy J. Chambers, and in New York with master pastelist, Daniel E. Greene.

Rachel enjoys the challenges each new commission presents and finds commission work addicting. Nothing is more satisfying to her than to see the excitement on her clients' face after receiving their completed portrait. Her commissions include ballet backdrops for local dance studios and specialized portraits of families, adults, children and pets. She also teaches beginning pastel to students of all ages, and in doing so, shares her enthusiasm for that medium.

Rachel has work in private collections internationally, is a member of the Portrait Society of America, and is a member artist of Gallery West in old town Alexandria, Virginia. She also travels abroad for new inspiration and has painted a variety of scenes and subjects from her time in Israel, Ireland, and Greece.

Rachel is a native of Northern Virginia and resides in Leesburg with her husband, William. For more information about commissioning a portrait, please contact Rachel via email or phone on the contact page.