Rachel Kokko

The Price of Freedom - Painting Progression

2014-04-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

I decided to document my painting process for this large piece (3 feet by 4 feet).

You can see my methods of going from grayscale to color with the use of glazing my acrylic paint.

Affordable Art Fair - Hong Kong 2014

2014-04-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

I recently participated in a show in Hong Kong, where I created 5 pieces combining symbolic birds and recognizable buildings from Hong Kong's most famous cluster of landmarks - Statue Square.

Being of half Chinese ethnical origin myself and an enthusiastic internet research connoisseur, I found it quite fun to match the historical significance of buildings from a place high on my bucket list of places to visit with birds important to Chinese culture.

"The Lion's Share"

12"x16"

"Ruling the Roost"

12"x16"

"The Sky's the Limit"

12"x16"

"Bird of Prey"

12"x16"

"The Price of Freedom"

36"x48"

Most information about the show can be seen at Re-Emerging-Art

The Absolute Girliest Thing I've Ever Made

2014-04-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

A couple that I am friends with desperately wanted this commissioned for the area above their fireplace.

I have to say, it is disgustingly cute and reminds me of a less-drunk Dumbo from this scene:

Dexter Dog!

2014-04-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine commissioned me to immortalize his dog in paint as a present to his wife for their anniversary.

Meet Dexter the rescue dog. He likes long walks on the beach, steak dinner, and needs ample alone-time with his favorite toy hedgehog.

Adorably Cute Baby Animals

2014-04-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

For a few months, I was driven to create only that which falls under the category of cute and fuzzy. This was mostly inspired by one of my first ever paintings painted in 2006 that really made me laugh, "My Maniacal Teddy."

There was something just so delightfully raw and crude about how the very simple, single character on a plain background made such a statement. I wanted to explore this, but with less creepy characters.

In 2013, I began a series of what I liked to call "Adorably Cute Baby Animals," or really, images that just make you go "Awww…" Historically, my work has been rather sadistic and satirical, and I merely wanted to see how it felt to create art that warms your heart.

This led to my first painting of the series "The Elephant With the Long Ears." I hope to do a series of this baby elephant, Ellis, overcoming the obstacles of stumbling over these extremely long ears.

I've done many more characters, and have chosen to create a small series around each of them.

Georgey the Giraffe:

Randy the Rhino:

With a child audience in mind, I eventually hope to turn this animal series into a tangible brand focused on room decor, clothing, or even a children's book.

More characters being developed:

Name Change!

2013-02-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

After much deliberation, I decided to change my legal and artist name to Rachel Kokko from Rachel J Wong. I've heard about many artists who have difficulty with this transition, as they have built their entire career under one name, and well, people just don't like change!

I recently got married in September 2012 and I figured my husband's last name, Kokko, was just too unique to pass up. So here's to new beginnings!

Group Show March 6, 2013

2013-01-04T11:37:00.003-08:00

I will be part of a group art show on March 6, 2013 at The Avalon in Hollywood. Please come join me and check out the other 40 amazing artists.

RAW is a community of the arts - painting, illustration, photography, music, film, fashion, hair & makeup, performance art, jewelry and more. They are putting on a group show that will feature a fashion show, performances throughout the night, and a wide range of fine artists.

Purchase tickets for $15 at http://www.rawartists.org/hollywood/generation/?artist=122859 and be sure to mention my name in the drop down menu. I will be bringing some originals as well as prints and giclees for sale.

Hot off the Easel

2012-12-19T14:55:00.001-08:00

"Disagreeable Dinosaurs"

2012-12-19T14:51:00.001-08:00

"What the Market Will Bear"

I originally painted this in 2009 for a group show at the main gallery that represents me in Los Angeles, Gallery1988. I really wanted to depict the hilarity on Wall Street and the crisis of US economy at the height of the recession. Oddly enough, a gallery rep in Hong Kong purchased the original and after building a relationship with him, he now represents me in Asia. Print is 24 inches wide by 8 inches high and titled "What the Market Will Bear".

Just trying to fit in

2009-06-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

A painting commission I did for someone a little bit ago

Tree Buddy

2009-04-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Another tree for a story concept I'm working on.

Princess Candidates

2009-03-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

Alone Together

2009-02-06T13:35:00.001-08:00

Stunned Bunny

2009-02-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

Another Descanso Garden Painting...

2007-12-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

I had a class this morning and did a painting of the gardens approached with a more realistic technique.

Vivisect Playset Round IV

2007-11-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Vivisect Playset, curated by Luke Chueh, will be in SF this year at Gallery 1988. It's December 1, 2007, 7-10pm (click the image for more info) or you can go to Gallery 1988's Website.

Gallery Stuff...

2007-08-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

I've been showing at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles for the last year. Probably my two favorite shows were the Cheshire Cat show and I Am 8-Bit. Both were awesome. Here are some pics and the piece I sold from the Cheshire Cat show.

And as far as I Am 8-Bit goes... wow. The line was INSANE! I've never seen a line that long for a gallery opening. (Stole this pic from Jensen)

This was the piece I did.

The guy who bought this commissioned me to do another piece relating to video games.

My First Post...

2007-08-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well. I'm starting a blog again. Mostly art. Some subconscious thought. Maybe a little ranting, who knows?