Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Ragheb.
Hi Erin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always loved art and nature. Academically, I pursued a career as an ornithologist and worked from many years studying endangered birds. Last year, I decided to bring my interest in art to the foreground. I started a small art business called Dendroica Studio where I specialize in commissioned house, landscape, and classical car paintings. I also love painting birds whenever I get a chance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So far, I’ve been encouraged by how my art has been received by the community and how welcoming and supportive other artists have been. It’s been really rewarding to finally take the time to be intentional about creating art and developing my skills in watercolor. Much of my work is commissioned house portraits, classic cars, and landscapes. It’s always a fun challenge to work with the client to understand their goals for the project and then find a way achieve a final product that matches their vision. There are a lot of memories and feelings associated with a family home and I find it rewarding to try to capture some of those emotions in the art.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Dendroica Studio offers a custom artwork experience for clients seeking to capture a sense of place or time, whether that’s a reimagining of a historic family home, a special gift for a new home owner, or stunning sunset over a cherished vantage point. I work mostly with watercolor, pen, and colored pencil. All of my work is 100% handmade (no AI) and tailored to the client’s preferences. I love working with clients to create something timeless and special for their family. It’s an interactive experience that carries more value than a store-bought decoration. When I’m not working directly with clients, I really enjoy painting birds and landscapes because it’s an opportunity to blend my interest in nature and art.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Taking the time to be intentional about creating has been really restorative for me, even if it’s just a little session each day. I’d recommend finding a physical space where you can leave your materials out so there is a designated creative space and there is a lower activation barrier. I had anticipated that entering the art community would be difficult or intimidating, and that hasn’t really been the case. I’d encourage people with a desire to create to follow their imaginations and see where it leads!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dendroicastudio.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dendroica.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578638825052
