art delivery : 04.29.23

Dahlia’s are one of my favorite flowers, so obviously the work of this week’s ‘member in the spotlight’ stopped me in my tracks! These large-scale oil paintings are the work of California based painter Rachel Perls, and here’s her ‘why’:

“This dahlia series began in earnest in 2020 during the dark times of Covid lock-down. In addition to a copious amount of baking and gardening, I yearned for more outlets to nurture and grow things, bringing some light back into our lives. The dahlia paintings evolved from this desire to cultivate a sense of positivity in a time of insecurity and fear. After a 30 year hiatus, I also returned to using oil paints. Why I resisted for so many years, I have no idea. Painting canvases as big as will fit in my car, I’m creating an immersive experience for viewers, flooding them with the warmth and optimism that blossoms naturally elicit.”

“Painting canvases as big as will fit in my car”… well, I loooove that! You can find Rachel on Instagram at @rachelperls.

I’m in NEW YORK today! Come see me at McNally Jackson’s Seaport store at NOON… no need to RSVP, just show up! And if you’re in Philly, I’ll see you later this week for three events happening at Paradigms Gallery + Studio: a kids’ book event on May 3rd, an adults’ event on May 4th, and there are still a few spots left for my all-day GIRL CRUSH Philly workshop! I haven’t done one in years, so I’m very excited about bringing it back … sign up right here. Happy weekend ~ Danielle