Am I an art historian who paints? Or, am I an artist who happens to be an art historian? Answering yes to both these questions only provides a partial explanation for my passion for art. I study art history in order to understand the artist’s craft and I paint in order to express what I cannot put into words about this life-long passion.

After earning my BA at St. John’s College, Annapolis, I subsequently earned my MA in Art History at The George Washington University and PhD at University of Maryland. A native Washingtonian, I have been painting since my early teenage years. Greco-Roman antiquity, landscapes, cityscapes, and still life studies from nature are my preferred subjects.

Most recently in the summers of 2018-2019, I painted plein-air (directly from nature) landscapes during my travels through Italy and participated in the art residency program at the Arte Studio Ginestrelle in Assisi. Afterwards my work was exhibited at Art Gallery Le Logge in Assisi. Due to COVID-19, my art is produced currently within the confines of my studio. Nonetheless, I am endlessly inspired by the memories of my travels, the beauty I find in moonlit landscapes from my own backyard, and the study of Greco-Roman sculptures that have defined the canon of western art history.

Limited fine art prints and original paintings available for purchase upon request. Commissions accepted as well. Inquiries should be submitted to:

rachel@rachelpollackgallery.com