About Rhea…

I am a self-taught painter based in San Diego, born into a long line of artists. Creativity has always been at the core of who I am. My work is rooted in abstract expressionism—a style that embraces spontaneity as a way to share emotion and personal truth.

I draw inspiration from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Clay Walker, but over time, I’ve developed my own approach—one that blends texture, color, and deeper meaning.

My process is intuitive, involving layered pigments, color therapy, and the integration of healing crystals and gemstones. I also embed words and affirmations beneath the surface of my paintings, infusing each piece with intention and energy. My hope is that my art inspires, uplifts, and connects with those who experience it.

Contact Rhea

The energy behind my art

My connection to the land runs deep. My father taught me to respect and appreciate the earth—we walked across all kinds of terrain, and I often went barefoot, drawn to the feeling of the ground beneath me. Much of our time hiking was spent in Montana, where the vast sky and open landscapes left a lasting impression on me. That sense of space, freedom, and connection to nature continues to shape my work. My art is deeply inspired by the atmosphere of the land—its organic forms, shifting light, and grounding presence. Now, living near the coast in Southern California, I feel that same sense of expansion, but this time through water—fluid, ever-changing, and deeply alive.

Artist Statement

“My paintings have been described as abstract but to me, they are simple explorations into physicality, texture, and an emotional journey through color. The work is a process of putting on and taking off, which reflects various layers of mediums.

The intention behind my art is that the observer will continue to discover a new perspective of the world, expansion in self-awareness, and be comfortable loving something that they may not completely understand.”

If you are feeling drawn to one of my paintings, or collaborate with me to create a painting of your dreams in a workshop, please get in touch.

Get in Touch

Why work with me?

My journey of self-acceptance and kindness has been unfolding for decades, deeply intertwined with my art and healing practices.

I began my career as an artist in the 1990s with a solo show in the Cedros Design District in San Diego. Since then, my work has taken me across the country, exhibiting in galleries, three-month venues, outdoor art shows, and collaborating with interior designers on commissioned pieces.

In 2017, I became a Reiki Master, integrating energy work into my artistic practice. This fusion of art and healing continued to evolve, and in 2024, as I stepped into my studio, I expanded my practice by studying Guided Drawing and Somatic Therapy. This path led to the creation of Studio Sessions—a space where creativity, mindfulness, and self-discovery come together.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many students, and I believe that the more I explore and understand myself, the better I can guide others. My curiosity fuels my journey—I’m currently studying the Five Elements Theory, deepening my yoga practice, and exploring writing as another form of creative expression.

Art has always been a space for growth, reflection, and connection in my life, and I look forward to sharing that space with you.