Rachael Padilla

Having some fun in my "Laser Coat"

I went out and made a short film to do some color tests.  There are still very warm afternoons and I'm trying to enjoy them before Winter hits. I hope that you enjoy this silly little experiment.  

She-Wolf

Along the way of creating costumes to portray a hair covered Mary Magdalene, I had created this vest. What started as an attempt at one thing has taken on a life of its own. 

I really enjoy challenging perceptions, and this vest does that! It takes the nipple far out of the context of exhibitionism and/or sexuality...

My She-Wolf vest, and why.

Here is my She-Wolf vest, and a little bit of the history and reasons behind it.  I think that there will be some great inspiration to be found here! 

The She-Wolf walking in the Garden

A brief video of myself out enjoying the day in my She-Wolf costume.  It was really only supposed to be a prototype for another project, but it has taken on a life of its own!

In the sketch book

Trying to capture the images that float through my mind. There is a lot of color and organic imagery in my imagination. Here, lotus flowers, leaves, ferns, and netting frame a picket fence, mountains, and clouds.

On the easel

Bromeliad in orange and green. My houseplant, a bromeliad, has sprouted a "pup". A little shoot at its base that I was about to re-pot, when I realized I would rather do a painting instead. Perhaps I'll re-pot it tomorrow!

On the easel

I continued working on small paintings today. I'm working out how to work more spontaneously, slightly more abstract, with more creativity than technique. I did a similar composition on Friday. I was really happy with it, so I tried the same composition in a different color scheme today.

Update 10-26

I wanted to say hello, and tell you all what the world was looking like here.  I hope that this weekend is treating you all well, and that some fun is being had out there! 

Bed & Breakfast

I've got a bunch of great poetry to get through.  Look for some more of these videos soon!  

On the easel

There were some really exceptionally bright and beautiful inedible berries I photographed a few days ago. The colors of the sky, background and berries were the inspiration of the color scheme in today's work. I wanted to do some figurative work that was a little more spontaneous. Which is what you see here. Spontaneous figur...

Sketching

A clear, cool morning. Ample light and sunshine. Perfect spot for a sketch!

Morning in a garden

I found a calming place near the water feature in a community garden. It's the perfect spot for thoughtful contemplation, and enjoying the sunshine!

In the sketch book

A little oak fairy, perhaps? A quick sketch of the acorn on my desk lead to this little creature. She looks graceful, patient, and wise. I'm trying to get more comfortable with spontaneous drawings from the imagination.

In the sketch book

Paper dolls need awesome outfits! You'll recognize one! I own the tutu and boots now, but I would have lived them as a child, too! The other aqua dress is based on a dress I actually had. It was handmade for me and was satin and lace. I loved how I felt when I wore it!

In the sketch book

In the sketch book

I had a strange dream last night. I had an infant in my arms. I remember whispering to her that she was my legacy.

I am an artist. My legacy is my art. I can't express fully how grateful I am to my patrons. Just like an infant, my art and career require a great deal of care and diligence. As patrons, you help provide ...

In the sketch book

I had paper dolls as a child. I could spend hours playing with them. I thought of them as I sketched my own. The "tiny dancer" (in progress) has great aspirations of being a dancer. I think she'll need some black boots and a bright pink tutu, as an alternate outfit!

On the easel

I bit of progress! Shapes, details and lights are beginning to form.

An old part of downtown.

I took a walk on a sunny day past an old mill.  Parts of it look almost like a prison!  It was a sunny day, and a beautiful location.  I just wanted to share a moment of it with you.  

The Varsity (Atlanta)

The Varsity has been a drive-thru restaurant since 1928! It's got a great view, too! It's the last stop for my day exploring some really cool locations in the city, including the Oakland Cemetery & Gardens, and the High Museum. 

A top free walk on the railroad tracks.

Join me for a  little adventure under an interesting wooden bridge.  It looks so rickety!  I almost can't believe that those cars drove over it!  It was a fun place to explore.   I'm so glad that I get to share it with you.  

On the easel

Getting the base colors down for another night/street scape.

Bird Out of Water?

A little intro of what I've been working on! Plus, the original attempt at a stop motion based on a little story I wrote. If you've seen my description on Twitter, I refer to myself as a bird out of water. Here's why!

No bra. A "Major Convenience."

While out enjoying a sunny day I saw a sign for a closed down business.  The Major Convenience was once a place bustling with activity, it is now just driven past as if it doesn't exist.  I took a moment to appreciate the setting and enjoy the fact that I can dress however I'd like without feeling social pressures o...

In the sketch book

Trying a new pen and ink!

Another poem.

Here is another poem from a modern poet.   Jessica Lowell Mason is a real talent, her work is at once vulnerable and strong.  I'm sure that I'll be reading more of them.  

On the easel

I think I can call this one finished!

On the easel

Today's progress! Just a little more work in the foreground, and this one will be finished! What a fun challenge it's been!

On the easel!

Continuing with my studies of light. The original reference photo is a night time picture, but what better way to study light? I've only gotten down the under painting, so there's a lot more to do.I have never painted a night picture, so I am looking forward to the challenge! I'm also excited by the prospect of building up su...

Happy October!

Good morning! I've been enjoying some walks in the changing season, and came across a lovely little acorn! I brought it home and used it as a model for a drawing warm up. I filmed the process and created a quick time lapse.