About the Artist
RD: “I’m a graphic designer and artist. I’m a wife and mother to two sweet boys. I create art because it brings myself and others joy. That may sound trite...but it’s the simple truth.”
RD: “I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. Since I was a child. It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed, and to be honest I never thought I’d create a living from it.”
RD: “I’ve created art using all sorts of mediums, but within the past 4 years I’ve been perfecting my technique of painting with fabric dye on muslin.”
RD: “I stumbled upon this years ago when I originally tried to create a fun design on fabric for a baby gift. I’ve played with fabric gel pens to fabric markers, to my current medium...fabric dye. I love it because it gives a water color effect and I’ve always been drawn to the look of watercolor. At the end of last year I switched from using paint brushes to painting or drawing with a nib pen. I love how detailed I can get with the fine point tip. I toggle between using one or the other or both. At times I leave the paintings as is, and other times I’ll use the painted fabric for sewing shoulder bags, pillows or wine bags. These are usually commissioned pieces and are both fun and functional works of art.”
RD: “But I’ve not forgotten my skills as a graphic artist, and will also take my paintings and incorporate text, either on the actual art or scanning a painting onto the computer and creating digital art.”
RD: “I’m a graphic tee junky and LOVE making fun T-shirt designs.”
Inspirations and work
RD: “I painted the ostrich back in May of this year during the lockdown. I was jokingly feeling like I just wanted to shove my head in the sand and hide from all the craziness...so I painted this cute little gal and called her Self Portrait of 2020.”
RD: “Generally I stick to animals, but I do love landscapes and city scapes. I also love vintage and retro graphics and will incorporate this in a lot of my art work. And lately I’ve been playing around with botanicals as well.”
Richelle Douglas, Self Portrait of 2020, Muslin and fabric dye, $250
RD: “I co owned a photography studio after college, but separated from that business after my 2nd son was born. Currently I have a little art studio called CROE Haven Designs. I sell my originals and reproduction prints along with t-shirts, stickers, and a few other items. I prefer creating art that have messages of kindness love and faith. I’m also an advocate for the fight against human trafficking. I’m an ambassador for the Prevention Project, a curriculum created to bring awareness and education to youth. I volunteer with the Stop Human Trafficking Coalition of Central Missouri, and have a strong passion for educating our youth about Human trafficking.”
RD: “I love supporting the arts and being plugged into the community.”
RD:”After my 2nd son was born I took a break from my art. I really felt distanced from this part of my life and outta the art scene. So being a member of CAL and participating in art shows has helped me step back into it.”
