About Me
Every artist has a story, and mine begins with humble beginnings and a relentless passion for creativity. Here’s a glimpse into my story and the experiences that have defined my artistic path.
A Journey of Passion and Resilience
From the age of three, drawing became a cherished escape, with my early sketches capturing figures, trees, and horses. Despite facing challenges in high school, I persevered and managed to enroll at the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore. However, my journey took a detour as I embraced a rebellious, dyslexic identity and moved to California, where I faced significant hardships.
After hitting rock bottom, I returned to Maryland and redirected my focus toward a more stable path by studying nursing through the Manpower Act program (affordable). Once I passed my state boards, I began working in several Baltimore hospitals, primarily in psychiatry and dementia care. Throughout this time, my passion for art never waned—I carved out a space in my home where I could continue to draw and paint.
After hitting rock bottom, I returned to Maryland and redirected my focus toward a more stable path by studying nursing through the Manpower Act program (affordable). Once I passed my state boards, I began working in several Baltimore hospitals, primarily in psychiatry and dementia care. Throughout this time, my passion for art never waned—I carved out a space in my home where I could continue to draw and paint.
The birth of my daughter and the end of my marriage prompted me to reassess my life. While working part-time as a nurse, I began to cultivate an art business at home, specializing in pastel portraits of children, dogs, cats, and horses. Renting a small space in a shopping mall near Roland Park, I set up my easel two afternoons a week, connecting with the public. Word of mouth quickly spread, and my work (particularly my dog paintings) began to gain recognition.
A New Chapter at the Pearl Gallery
While balancing the demands of raising my daughter and working part-time as a nurse, I took a bold step by opening the Pearl Gallery on the Avenue in Hamden, Baltimore. The affordable rent allowed me to display my portraits and paintings prominently in the store window.
During this time, my appreciation for Baltimore's historic architecture grew, especially after working on two house restoration projects downtown. The intricate details and stories behind these buildings inspired me to incorporate their essence into my artwork. To supplement my income, I created four pen and ink drawings of well-known Baltimore landmarks, printing them on watercolor paper and hand-coloring each piece. These limited-edition signed artworks sold for $65 each, quickly gaining interest.
One standout piece was a depiction of Memorial Stadium. It was acquired by an original member of the Baltimore Colts, who had all the living Colts sign it. This particular reproduction later sold for an astonishing $6,500 at a Lenny Moore fundraiser, a moment that validated my artistic journey and highlighted the connection between my work and the community.
During this time, my appreciation for Baltimore's historic architecture grew, especially after working on two house restoration projects downtown. The intricate details and stories behind these buildings inspired me to incorporate their essence into my artwork. To supplement my income, I created four pen and ink drawings of well-known Baltimore landmarks, printing them on watercolor paper and hand-coloring each piece. These limited-edition signed artworks sold for $65 each, quickly gaining interest.
One standout piece was a depiction of Memorial Stadium. It was acquired by an original member of the Baltimore Colts, who had all the living Colts sign it. This particular reproduction later sold for an astonishing $6,500 at a Lenny Moore fundraiser, a moment that validated my artistic journey and highlighted the connection between my work and the community.
Embracing Rural Inspiration
In 1998, I made the decision to move from Baltimore to Frederick County, MD, seeking a more rural environment for my daughter’s high school experience. We settled in the charming town of New Market, where the picturesque landscapes sparked a renewed inspiration in my art. The old houses, churches, barns, and familiar sights of the area filled my mind with creative energy, encouraging me to capture their essence through my paintings.
I found a small space at the Rossig Art Gallery, where I set up my easel and began working. The positive feedback from visitors was encouraging, leading to a significant commission to paint six large watercolors for the newly built McDonald’s restaurant in the area. As my presence grew, I started attending outdoor festivals around Frederick County to display my work.
By this time, I had developed a diverse inventory that included framed original watercolors, Giclee prints, matted prints, and pastel samples—particularly of dogs, which were a favorite among my clientele. Engaging with the public and sharing my art became instrumental to my success—I handed out business cards and listened closely to their thoughts and preferences. This interaction inspired me to experiment with different subjects, colors, and styles, enriching my artistic journey.
I found a small space at the Rossig Art Gallery, where I set up my easel and began working. The positive feedback from visitors was encouraging, leading to a significant commission to paint six large watercolors for the newly built McDonald’s restaurant in the area. As my presence grew, I started attending outdoor festivals around Frederick County to display my work.
By this time, I had developed a diverse inventory that included framed original watercolors, Giclee prints, matted prints, and pastel samples—particularly of dogs, which were a favorite among my clientele. Engaging with the public and sharing my art became instrumental to my success—I handed out business cards and listened closely to their thoughts and preferences. This interaction inspired me to experiment with different subjects, colors, and styles, enriching my artistic journey.
.png "Woman riding with her horse image")
Life as an Artist
Currently, I am enjoying retirement from nursing, living on a quaint farm with six rescued horses. This serene lifestyle inspires my creativity, and I can’t wait to dive into my next painting. The small-town atmosphere enriches my life, allowing me to explore the fascinating history of the region—its settlements, buildings, churches, and businesses. I truly believe that the echoes of the past resonate in our daily lives.
In Thurmont, MD, I operate the Rebecca Pearl Gallery, where my original paintings, giclee prints, greeting cards, and custom framing are available. Nearby Camp David adds a unique element to our community. We recently faced the loss of the Cosy Restaurant, a place of significance where figures like JFK, Eisenhower, F. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill dined. Before its closure, I painted a piece depicting ghostlike figures of these iconic personalities, ensuring that their stories and presence remain a part of our town’s narrative.
In Thurmont, MD, I operate the Rebecca Pearl Gallery, where my original paintings, giclee prints, greeting cards, and custom framing are available. Nearby Camp David adds a unique element to our community. We recently faced the loss of the Cosy Restaurant, a place of significance where figures like JFK, Eisenhower, F. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill dined. Before its closure, I painted a piece depicting ghostlike figures of these iconic personalities, ensuring that their stories and presence remain a part of our town’s narrative.
.jpg "Woman smiling with a dog beside her")