Rachel Rafferty spent her childhood in Japan in the late 70s. Her father was in a position that allowed their family to enjoy all the best of the arts and culture available. In her teens, Rachel developed an interest in painting. Several years later, she went back to stay with relatives in the states so she could attend art school in New York. Rafferty later decided to enroll at the Atlanta School of Art studying painting. Her painting style has evolved from a subtle use of color to a greater use of contrast. She is enjoying a new focus on color in her floral work.
