A self-supporting, self-taught artist for almost 30 years, Raphaella paints from her heart and expresses her love of nature, words, and people. A common thread in her artistic expression is a mastery of color. Although all of Raphaella’s artwork, including detailed watercolor paintings often years in the making, were lost in the flood waters of Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, she is committed to walk the sacred path of rebirth and acceptance, celebrating opportunities as they appear. Sometimes an upheaval such as this ushers in new perspective, new beginnings, new expressions and a renewed appreciation of the beauty of life that remains. Many of her current paintings explore the relationship between color, texture, blossoms, stems, and beauty in abstract blooming gardens. To her, they are a celebration of and a thank you to Nature. Setting aside the detailed watercolor layering that had been her trademark for decades, she is now focusing on new freedoms of expression and is beginning to experiment with oil painting, collage, and mixed media.