Rachel Bingaman Artist - In With the New - The Art of Emerging

Rachel Bingaman

Washington DC, USA

Mediums: Oils on canvas

Style: Abstract & Contemporary Oil Paintings

 

 Early Light © Rachel Bingaman

 

I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2009 and now live in the DC area with my husband and two children. We are in love with our life here! My artwork, as of late, has been a focus of abstract realism and contemporary landscapes. I especially like to create stormscapes.

 

First experience creating:

I have always loved to create and believe it is an essential part of human nature to crave to do so. I suppose a key moment in my learning to focus my creativity was as an adolescent when my older brother pulled me into our family garage and started teaching me how to paint. He had learned from our grandfather on his farm in Little Rock, Arkansas, and it was my turn, then, to learn from him. I think the love affair with my oils really began there! When I put the brush to canvas I am instantly transported to this idealistic place from my childhood which (as all people must) I had left behind years ago. Each blank canvas is a reminder that I AM in control of my own universe.

 

Sanctuary © Rachel Bingaman

 

How long have you considered yourself an artist?

I began as a professional artist in January of 2012. I decided to commit my work to God from the beginning and I consider myself very blessed in that it has gone so well so early on for me.

 

What are you trying to convey to viewers through your art?

This is very simple. I want my art to move people in such a way that they are pushed into creative output themselves. I want my art to be prolific. I want it to scream and shout people's names, but also to whisper softly - gently calling them in to rest.

 

Creative process

A typical piece is finished within the day. I have never been one to let a piece of canvas lay blankly or unfinished on the easel for too long. I start in the early morning and love to watch the sunrise as I paint. The longest I have taken (on a larger 36 x 48 piece) is 3 days to complete a work. Each piece receives full attention until its completion.

 

American Skin © Rachel Bingaman

 

Inspirations

There is no shortage of things that inspire my artwork, but the beauty in nature is a constant inspiration. From the storms that roll in on late summer afternoons to the waves lapping against sandy shores. In autumn, the landscape is set on fire with a brilliance of orange, yellow, purple, and red from the changing leaves. These are the things that drive my palette.

 

Exhibitions

I have showcased at an indie art event in Washington DC (RAW: Natural Born Artists) and won Top 5 Artists for the 2012 season. I have had pieces displayed at Napoleons Bistro & Lounge for charity in DC. I have also donated to Create A Cure whose owner, Mel Parish, I met through RAW. Perhaps my most exciting artistic achievement thus far is that one of my stormscapes will be used on the set of NBC's new TV series "Save Me" which is set to air sometime this year.

 

Sold artworks

To date, I have sold 132 paintings (many small format) since beginning last January (not that I'm counting! Hah!) I sell mainly online but also through local showcases like the ones I mentioned in DC.

 

Unleash the Skies © Rachel Bingaman

 

Online art promotion

 I mainly promote online through Etsy, Facebook and Twitter. I also have a blog that I post new paintings to and have just joined Handmadespark.com.

 

Influences

There are the greats like Claude Monet, Van Gogh and Munch to name a few... but there are so many influences and so many different forms of artistic expression that have influenced me over time that I'm afraid I could not be concise enough in naming them all!

 

Please recommend another artist

Sheri Wilson! She is known for her seascapes, which I lose myself in often. She has been a great influence thus far in my artistic journey and a constant source of advice and reassurance whenever I need. She led me to Artpromotivate as well.

 

 

 

Blissful © Rachel Bingaman

 

 

 

 

Tell us something interesting in your life

My 8-year-old son was diagnosed with a Chiari Type I Brain Malformation a couple of years ago. It was a terrifying and life changing experience for our family but he is doing much better with it now. It really challenged me to find a way to balance work and home and if it weren't for the flexibility that the artist's lifestyle allows for, it wouldn't have been possible.

 

What is the most annoying thing someone has said to you about your art?

Well, I often encounter people who like to make suggestions about what I could have done differently in a certain piece. I wouldn't say it's annoying - it's usually constructive, but it can certainly come across the wrong way from time to time!

 

Thrive © Rachel Bingaman

Do you have any regrets in your life as an artist?

My only regret is that I didn't start sooner.

 

Future Plans

I hope to challenge myself to branch out more in the future and try different styles. I'd love to explore every facet of the artist's world. I have toyed with the idea of an independent artist's cooperative art gallery, but have no real plans right now.

 

Advice for emerging artists

I think Emerson said it best, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

 

 

Rachel Bingaman - In With the New - The Art of Emerging

Washington DC, USA 

Website: BingArt | Blog: Rachel Bingaman | Twitter: @rach_bing