Photo of location to be painted by Rachael McCampbell © 2022

Last year, I was asked to create a design and painting for a client’s new river home near Gatlinburg, TN by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. They have built a gorgeous home on the water with soaring ceilings and rich, textured stone and wood everywhere. I was thrilled when they said they wanted my art for their prime spot above the mantle in the great room! Oh happy days!  I love to work large

Black and white pencil study by Rachael McCampbell © 2022

and this gave me that chance. The piece needed to be vertical. It’s 4′ w 6′ h, acrylic and oil on a deep, cradled, birch panel.

I began with a black and white sketch which the client approved immediately, followed by a colored sketch done in gouache on canvas panel. After they approved that, I ordered began painting on the specially ordered panel. I’ve attached some imagery for you to see some of my process through stills

and video.

I began with a black and white sketch which the client approved immediately, followed by a colored sketch done in gouache on canvas panel. After they approved that, I ordered began painting on the specially ordered panel. I’ve attached some imagery for you to see some of my process through stills and video.

Gouache mock-up by Rachael McCampbell © 2022

I’m often asked how long it takes to create a painting. My answer is always the same, “My whole life.” Every piece you create builds on the knowledge of the last one and the one before that and on and on. And when they say, “No, I mean exactly how many HOURS did it take you?”  My response to that question is usually the same, “I don’t want to count them or I’ll get caught up into worrying if it took me too long or not long enough or if I made any money at all because I took so long to paint it. So, it’s best to just work knowing that I will finish it to my liking however long that is.” I will say this, I enjoyed painting this one as I love the subject matter. Painting the Smoky Mountains has been a favorite subject of mine for a while now and will be again.

Acrylic block-in by Rachael McCampbell © 2023

I take a group of artists to this same area to paint each June. We explore gorgeous areas in the Smokies, experience the synchronized fireflies on a stunning private property by the National Park and generally have an amazing time. The week is always magical and fun and because it’s at the Buckhorn Inn (which has phenomenal food and accommodations) my folks love this week of painting the lush woods and rocks and breathing in the fresh mountain air. I hope you’ll join me!