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Portrait Painting
Rachel Ferguson
USA
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"Drawing quickly became my escape, my adventure, and my challenge."
Rachel Ferguson’s artistic journey began in childhood with a simple yet significant drawing—a three-dimensional toy truck. She was captivated by the realism she achieved and felt an immediate passion for drawing. This early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to art, transforming it into both an escape and a challenge.
Christopher's Keepsake | Oil on Canvas
$630
16 X 20
"Christopher's Keepsake" by Rachel Ferguson is a luminous oil painting that transforms a simple conch shell into a vessel of memory and love. Captured in radiant pinks, soft creams, and quiet shadows, this shell holds more than oceanic beauty — it holds a personal story. The shell was found by the artist’s brother, Christopher, during a dive, and now stands as a symbolic keepsake of their bond and the natural wonders they shared. With its elegant spiral and subtle glow, the shell evokes themes of connection, timelessness, and the treasures we hold onto — both literal and emotional. A perfect piece for those who value art with heart, heritage, and depth.
During high school, Ferguson’s talent was nurtured by two art teachers, Mrs. Richardson and Mrs. Anderson. They encouraged her to enter her first art show, where she successfully sold a watercolor painting of sailboats. This encouragement left a lasting impression on her, though her artistic path was not always straightforward.
Roger Roger | Oil
$849
18 X 14
The oil painting captures an older gentleman with a weathered yet dignified face, each line telling a story of resilience and wisdom. His deep-sea blue eyes, filled with kindness and quiet strength, seem to reflect a lifetime of experience, gazing out with a calm intensity. Wisps of silver hair frame his sun-kissed skin, hinting at years spent outdoors. Soft, warm light falls across his face, emphasizing the rugged contours of his cheekbones and jawline. His expression is of quiet thoughtfulness.
In college, Ferguson pursued art history and drawing classes but faced pressure to choose a more conventional career. This period was particularly challenging, as she struggled with the conflict between practicality and passion. Though she eventually left college, she never stopped creating art, keeping her artistic spirit alive despite life’s obstacles.
"Deep down, I knew art was always meant for me."
Ferguson found unwavering support in her husband, who encouraged her to continue her artistic endeavors. While working various jobs to provide for her family, she dedicated time to portrait painting, frequently creating pieces of her three children and her husband. The human face remained her primary focus, as she found endless fascination in capturing its depth and complexity through portrait art.
The Glass Oracle | Oil
$1,295
20 X 24
This oil painting reflects a contemplative mood, the scholarly and mysterious nature of the books, and the striking cobalt apothecary glass casting its translucent shadow. The title suggests both intellectual curiosity and a moment of reflection in a timeless setting.
"For Loved Ones in Heaven" by Rachel Ferguson is a vibrant and emotional tribute rendered in oil. A golden vase holds a striking bouquet of fiery lilies, their vivid reds, oranges, and golds glowing against deep cobalt blue drapery. The composition is both radiant and reverent—an offering of beauty, memory, and love to those who have passed. Each petal seems to reach upward, as if in silent prayer or remembrance, while the rich color contrast evokes a sacred stillness. This painting serves as a visual elegy, honoring the enduring connection we hold with those no longer here, and reminding us that beauty can bloom even in grief.
For Loved Ones In Heaven | Oil on Canvas
$1,895
18 X 24
In her forties, Ferguson faced a major setback when she developed severe arthritis, leaving her bedridden for nearly a year. This period of hardship, however, led to a transformative discovery—online art classes. She found inspiration in the teachings of Lee Hammond, whose instructional videos became a lifeline during her recovery.
"The moment of reveal, when a client sees themselves or a loved one in my work, is priceless— a profound joy and privilege to share."
“Portraiture has a unique power; it captures the beauty of human expression—from the cherubic face of a young child to the wisdom etched into an elder’s wrinkles. The moment of reveal, when a client sees themselves or a loved one in my work, is priceless. It is a profound joy and privilege to share this gift, and I aspire to deepen this impact through my lifetime. I am living out my dream now, working as a full-time artist. I aim to refine my craft, contribute to the art community, and spread the joy of portraiture and the love of all things artsy far and wide.”
While regaining her health, Ferguson expanded her artistic skills by learning Photoshop and briefly taking on freelance graphic design projects. Despite this, she realized her true passion lay in traditional portrait painting, still life, and floral compositions. Her love for hand-drawn and painted works remained at the heart of her artistic identity.
Moonlight Walk in the Milkweed | Oil on Canvas
$1,895
24 X 30
This large-scale oil painting captures two sandhill cranes strolling gracefully beneath a luminous lavender sky bathed in moonlight. The scene unfolds in a field of tall milkweed, their silvery stems and soft pink blooms glistening as though touched by stardust. A sense of magical realism infuses the work—light dances in unlikely ways, and the air itself seems enchanted. The cranes, poised and elegant, move with quiet purpose, their forms both natural and dreamlike. It is a moment suspended in twilight—a world where beauty hums just beneath the surface of the real.
As she continued her journey, Ferguson opened an Etsy shop, Portraits in the Sun. Though modest in scale, this venture allowed her to connect with clients and bring their cherished memories to life through her art. It marked an important step in sharing her work with a broader audience.
New Zealand Singer Lorde | Installation
$1,150
18 X 24
Graphite Portrait of New Zealand Singer Lorde
A major turning point came when Ferguson joined the Portrait Society of America. Studying under esteemed artists like Anna Rose Bain, Dawn Whitelaw, and Michael Shane Neal helped refine her artistic approach. Neal’s workshop, in particular, transformed her perspective, encouraging her to embrace a painterly style that valued creativity over mere technical precision.
"Father Time" is a striking oil painting of an older gentleman, exuding wisdom and distinction as he sits in a draped chair. Behind him, a cabinet holds symbolic relics—a skull partly hidden by a red scarf, a dual-headed cherub vase, and a sculpted head—each hinting at time’s passage and life’s impermanence. Rich textures and deep shadows add depth, while warm light casts a contemplative mood, evoking the weight of history, memory, and the inevitable march of time.
Father Time | Oil
$1,795
24 X 30
"Portraiture has always been my focus—beautifully challenging and mesmerizing."
Not Today- Seated Female Nude | Graphite
$1,295
18 X 24
A graphite drawing of a nude woman seated in a large, ornately carved Victorian wooden chair. Her legs are casually crossed, and her posture is relaxed, exuding calm and quiet confidence. Soft shading highlights the natural curves of her form, contrasting with the chair’s intricate details, and the draped background. The composition captures a moment of stillness and ease, blending classical figure study with a timeless, contemplative atmosphere.
Female Reclining Nude.
Determined to grow as an artist, Ferguson attended open studio sessions in Madison, Wisconsin, where she worked with live models. Eventually, she made the bold decision to leave her day job and fully dedicate herself to her art. This choice allowed her to focus entirely on improving her skills and developing a unique artistic voice through oil painting portrait or graphite portrait.
This graphite drawing of a male nude seated with his back against a large wall completely draped in a soft curtain. The young man, with curly hair, reclines in a relaxed yet powerful pose, one arm resting effortlessly on a nearby box. His form is rendered with elegant shading and precise detail, emphasizing the strength and quiet beauty of the male figure. The drapery backdrop adds depth and contrast, creating a timeless, contemplative atmosphere in this striking study of the reclining nude.
Thursdays At Attwood Atelier | Ink
$1,295
16 X 20
Today, Ferguson is living her dream as a full-time artist. She remains committed to refining her craft, contributing to the artistic community, and sharing her love for portrait art. Through her work, she captures the beauty of human expression and strives to create meaningful, lasting connections with her audience.
Timeless Majesty | Oil
$980
16 X 20
This breathtaking piece showcases a majestic oak tree, its branches adorned with fiery hues of crimson, gold, and amber—an iconic symbol of autumn’s beauty. Painted on site. This tree has to be close to three centuries old. I basked in it's beauty for an entire day to paint it on a perfect fall day. Only in my beautiful home state of Wisconsin. The intricate textures of the bark and the luminous glow of the fall foliage make this artwork a striking focal point for any space.
"Training and hard work are essential to my growth as an artist."
Rachel Ferguson
www.https://portraitsinthesun.etsy.com
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