Last night I had the privilege of being interviewed by a lovely woman and artist, Linda Nance. She is the owner of Gotta Be Handmade. Here is a fun youtube video of the interview, where you’ll learn more about my process and inspiration. Hope you enjoy it!
You can see or purchase prints or notecards of the paintings that I share on this video here:
www.rachelalvarezart.com or www.etsy.com/shop/TheNapTimeArtist
…not the way I do love you.
Those are the song lyrics that played as I was almost ready to walk down the aisle to be married to my sweetheart.
It was a VERY windy day:
There had been a tropical storm warning in effect. It’s ok, because we are the type of people that love a good adventure. In fact, that’s one of the things that hooked me about Frank. He was/is always willing to get in the car and just drive until we find something new.
My new series of paintings is a bit of an homage to that wanderlust lifestyle we love. We live in a beautiful world, and I want to celebrate that.
When I was in art school, I remember writing my “artist statement”. I can remember being reprimanded by my painting instructor who said that my chosen statement of “I like to paint pretty things” wasn’t creative enough. So, 15 years later, here is my new statement. Pretty much sums me and my art up in a single phrase.
I am fascinated by color- whether it’s in an awesome cotton candy sunrise, a donut with sprinkles or a lush landscape. My portfolio is as diverse as my interests, but one thing is common: fresh and full of color. 
So, as boring as “i like to paint pretty things” is, I am still doing it years later- with a side of donuts. www.rachelalvarezart.com
My life has been a series of major transitions. I was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but have moved and migrated over 2,000 miles over the years- only to end up right back where I started.
I’ve had some really great life experiences.
~ In college, I moved to upstate NY for a summer to teach photography and didn’t know a soul. Everyone else I worked with had traveled much further than me. They’d come from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa…I met some really great people there and, at the end of the summer, we were all invited to live for a week in Greenwich Village, NYC. September 11, 2001 happened the day after we left.
~ I’ve been to concerts with best friends and had drinks at the bar with the band.
~ I’ve hiked in Georgia O’Keefe’s backyard.
~ Once, I was offered a job in Baltimore, and packed up all of my things and relocated within 2 weeks.
~ Later, I stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon at 5am, eating cold spaghetti and hearing my voice echo across the miles with some of my closest friends.
~ I’ve been to Boston, sat in what prides itself as the “Littlest Bar” all by myself, and ordered a bowl of clam chowder.
~ I packed all of my essential belongings into 2 suitcases, moved to Florida and found paradise and the love of my life.
~ For my birthday one year, I enjoyed beignets in New Orleans.
~ My wedding was on the beach in the middle of a tropical storm.
~ When I was pregnant with our son, I hiked a mountain in Colorado, and enjoyed the view.
~ I traveled to Dominican Republic, and got my teeth cleaned while I was there.
There are still quite a few things on my bucket list, but I am happy with life so far. It has been exciting and fun and challenging.
In the last three years, things have definitely slowed down on the travel front, my social life has plummeted and I don’t seem to have as much energy as I used to. I can’t just pack my bags and fly anywhere I want to anymore.
I am, however, still VERY spontaneous. I need to be. My dreams are still coming true. My heart is full, and my kids are darn cute. There is always something to be thankful for, but tonight I am especially thankful for my little family and all of those awesome adventures that led me to my NOW.
Thank you, God, for blessing me.
Rachel Alvarez Art - The Nap Time Artist 