Meet the Maker:

Durant Lady Cougar Basketball Team

By Victoria Shawgo

“It all started with a Bob Ross painting kit.” An unlikely admission for full-time artist Rachel Dummeldinger, who resides in Plant City and creates from her home studio.

“I was given a Bob Ross painting kit as a gift when my children were young,” she explained. “I experimented with that, and I fell in love with painting immediately. Because I had little kids, and oil is a tricky medium, I put that down and began working with acrylics.”

How beautiful that this simple gift was the impetus for a life-long passion that, almost thirty years later, would grow into a sustainable business. Dummeldinger’s love for painting began as a hobby. Originally in the wedding industry, she did not take on painting full-time until the pandemic, when everything shut down, and weddings were being postponed. Now, she could not imagine doing anything else.

“I’m having an absolute blast,” she shared enthusiastically. “My work is extremely diverse and I’m liable to switch it up on a daily basis. I do a lot of heavy textured bright florals, and I also love doing a lot of mixed media pieces and what I refer to as “designer neutrals” that can kind of meld into any circumstance with mellower colors. And then, just some crazy abstracts.”

She makes a point to do something paint-related no less than five days a week but often ends up painting daily. The variety of her creations is informed by her life experiences, and sometimes even she is surprised at the results after a day in the studio.

“A lot of times, I’ll go in thinking I’m going to enjoy painting one particular thing,” she confided, “and it ends up taking a very hard left turn and being something completely different. It’s just kind of fun because it’s all a mystery.”

Though she has not formally studied art in an educational setting, Dummeldinger has created her own classroom, making a purpose of visiting museums and studying the art of Renaissance painters and European artists. After visiting a local gallery in Asheville, North

Carolina, she met a fellow painter who inspired her to move from the realistic artwork she was accustomed to and to give herself permission to “learn to think differently and have more fun with it.”

“Since then,” she noted, “I have really migrated more toward modern abstract artists and to study what they do. That, for me, has been the most life-giving change.”

Dummeldinger is truly passionate about her work, but she is equally passionate about her community. Most recently, she linked arms with Kevin Rios of Just Dance Academy of Dance and Etiquette to host an evening of fine art that benefitted the children of Lakeland by providing opportunities through Just Cares, Inc. to access fine arts and cultural experiences they would not otherwise have. The event took place on August 4th and 5th and featured an exhibition of Dummeldinger’s artwork, as well as live music, raffles, and hors d’oeuvres.

“The whole point of why we’re doing what we’re doing is for the community and the kids and for giving back because Kevin just supports Plant City so well,” she remarked. “It’s about camaraderie and hand-holding and boosting each other up.”

Her art is about self-expression but also about sharing the experiences that have shaped who she is.

“I think this has to be a reminder for people that if you have something inside of you that needs to be spoken, speak it out,” shared Dummeldinger. “Do it in the form of art. Our country needs art, and our world needs art. We need the happiness that is associated with the freedom to create, and it doesn’t matter when you start that. You’re never too old to start.”

Her artwork can be purchased online through her website. She also accepts commissions and offers custom matting and framing through her framing department (also known as her husband, Mark). To view her unique and exquisite creations, visit rachelfineart.org. Perhaps you will find the signature piece you have been searching for or will be inspired to add your own bit of beauty to the world.