I am a fine-art artist and work as a painter, graphic designer, and illustrator. I work with various mediums including charcoal, conte, and watercolor but I have over 20 years of experience working with oils, which is my favorite medium. My painting style ranges from realism to impressionism and my subject matter is drawn from my various passions which include literature, the sci-fi and fantasy genres, the beauty of nature, and my Christian faith.

My passion for creating art is matched only by my enthusiasm for literature, especially British authors. Imagination is everything, especially when creating art, so when I need inspiration, I pick up a book!

My oil paintings are created wet-on-wet (quick painting sessions) that are impressionistic in style or by using the Flemish technique of 7-layer oil glazing. The glazing process can take me several weeks or months to complete (depending on the size or subject of the piece), but is extremely rewarding because of the realism I am able to achieve and the depth.

I earned a M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University with highest honors in 2019 and a B.A. in Contemporary Literary Studies and Communication from Warner University in 2008. I was the first to receive the Award of Excellence in my major for "outstanding scholarship, service, and conduct." In the fall of 2006 I attended the University of Oxford (Oxford, UK) through a study-abroad program to study English Language and Literature.

My work has been on display at the Intersect Gallery in St Louis, MO; the Gilbert Chapel Gallery in St Petersburg, FL; Our Savior Lutheran Church Gallery in St Petersburg, FL; and at Biola University in La Mirada, CA. I am a four-year member of Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA).

For more of my work, please visit my website:
www.rachelshockeystudio.com