Warning: Rachel Pohl’s paintings will make you want to leave work and run to the mountains, immediately.
Painter Rachel Pohl has us itching to get outside, thanks to her otherworldly paintings and inspirational philosophy on life outdoors. She grew up in Bozeman, Montana, where she learned to ski and paint at an age when most of us were still working out how to tie our shoes. It’s no surprise that she’s learned to weave these two passions together, creating artwork that makes you want to go out and experience a place for yourself.
Rachel Pohl’s Art Makes Us Want to Go Play in the Woods
“I am constantly drawn to explore places that make me feel alive,” Rachel writes. “My work transports me to those overwhelmingly wild and beautiful places, and I hope they can do that for you too.”
Rachel’s paintings don’t just capture the visual aspects of a mountainscape — they are a reflection of how it feels to be outside and in the moment, breathing fresh air and connecting with your environment. Whether she’s painting a small watercolor or a dramatic mountain mural, her work is a clear representation of the respect and admiration she has for the world.
Scrolling through her Instagram page, it’s easy to get lost in her gorgeous artwork and motivating thoughts on life.
“Happiness is not necessarily in getting what we want,” she writes, “but in working towards goals while experiencing growth.” She cites painting as a source of her long-term happiness, and if her social media is anything to go by, her work is bringing happiness to lots of other people as well.
Her paintings take time to create, so Rachel focuses on scenes that stand out to her and have an emotional impact. The majority of her work is based on places she’s been to, though she occasionally paints other pieces on commission. Mountains are a consistent theme, from the ones on her doorstep in Montana to the craggy peaks of Patagonia in Chile.
Rachel paints with acrylics and her prints are created in Bozeman by friend and photographer Travis Andersen. She uses recycled materials for the backing and packages each purchase herself; each print even comes with a personalized note. You’ll also find a range of products in her online shop, including hats, stickers, face masks, and wallets but be quick because these popular items sell out quickly.
In 2016 Rachel appeared in National Parks Adventure, an award-winning IMAX film created to help promote the 100th birthday of America’s National Parks. She has also worked to help promote Montana and Arizona, plus works to help encourage women get out and get adventuring.
We can’t wait to see what she’ll do next!
You can purchase prints, hats, wallets, and more on her website.
