Rachel Paxton

Rachel Paxton’s richly colored paintings draw inspiration from mid-century design, often incorporating iconic motifs from the era, including playful interpretations of vintage neon signs. Her abstract work ranges from whimsical, quirky, and humorous to serene, calming, and contemplative. Across these varied works, Paxton’s background in textiles at RISD is evident in her attention to color, pattern, repetition, and surface. She builds her paintings intuitively through multiple layers of texture, creating surfaces that are both visually complex and tactile. Her work explores the enduring appeal of mid-century culture while bringing its distinctive forms, colors, and optimism into a contemporary context.