Blog Archives

Q: Last year you were in Paris and saw the David Hockney retrospective. What struck you the most? (Question from “Pastel, Passion, and Perseverance: An Interview with Barbara Rachko” in .ART Odyssey: Healing)


Giverny by DH, 2023, in David Hockney 25, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris

A: It was spectacular! I spent three and a half hours there, which I never do—usually two is my limit. I had known his LA work, but I wasn’t aware of so much else, including the Normandy pieces. And yes, the iPad drawings impressed me. I like that he keeps evolving, trying new tools, staying current. At his age that’s remarkable. As someone who has focused on one medium my whole life, I admire artists who reinvent themselves again and again.

Comments are welcome!

Travel photo of the month*

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

*favorite travel photos that have not yet appeared in this blog

My travel companions had the brilliant idea to blindfold me so my first sight of the spectacular Uyuni salt flats could be caught on film. The second photo is what I saw!

Comments are welcome!

Q: What’s on the easel today?

Work in progress

A: I continue working on “Gatecrasher,” soft pastel on sandpaper, 58” x 38.” In February I was privileged to visit this mask on exhibit at MUSEF La Paz in Bolivia. It was my second visit to the museum; the first was in 2017. Even more so this time, I was bowled over with how spectacular this particular mask is in person. Plus, I had forgotten its huge size. So I am absolutely determined to bump up my game and even more inspired to make this painting as strong and powerful as I possibly can!

Comments are welcome!