Welcome to my blog

I’m an artist. It took me a long time to call myself that despite wanting to be an artist for most of my life.

It’s not an unusual story among artists, I loved creating art as a child and by the time I was a teenager, it was the only thing I wanted to do with my life.

I graduated from art school with a BFA but got lost in a different career early on. More than 10 years passed before I started to make art again.

During the years when I wasn’t making art, I felt like I was hiding part of myself. I felt like no one really knew me because I didn’t completely identify with the person I allowed myself to become.  

More than 10 years have passed since I started making art again and my life is completely changed. I left the old career behind and have built my life around the things I love most. I make art often, every day if possible.

In this blog, I write about returning to art after a long absence. I hope my journey might inspire others who would like to start making art again or even for the first time.

You can read my first post by clicking below.

Start Here

Blog

"thrown thunder" - abstracted mixed media painting inspired by irish landscapes

Painting Giveaway! (and an interview)

This week, I'm the featured artist on Daily Paintworks and collectors can enter to win one of my newest paintings!

Painting Giveaway! (and an interview)

This week, I'm the featured artist on Daily Paintworks and collectors can enter to win one of my newest paintings!

gouache study on paper of Sally Gap, Wicklow Mountains, Ireland, 2019

Finding the Right Materials

Experimenting with new art supplies!

Finding the Right Materials

Experimenting with new art supplies!

Helen-Frankenthaler - Image from the Ernst Haas estate

Are you a real artist?

The myth that held me back for so long!

Are you a real artist?

The myth that held me back for so long!

red tea and jam in the kitchen, painting on panel

New Series: Cups & Glasses

My new series of small paintings is now available!

New Series: Cups & Glasses

My new series of small paintings is now available!

Rachel Petruccillo in her kitchen art studio in Italy

Starting a Creative Practice

Thoughts on starting a creative practice and keeping it going!

Starting a Creative Practice

Thoughts on starting a creative practice and keeping it going!

Square frames for 4x4 inch art

Framing Ideas for My Cup Paintings

A few suggestions on framing the 4x4 inch paintings on paper from my #cuppadaypainting series.

Framing Ideas for My Cup Paintings

A few suggestions on framing the 4x4 inch paintings on paper from my #cuppadaypainting series.