about me
Thanks for visiting my webpage which shows some of my original watercolour paintings, card sets and prints which are for sale. My name is Rachel Toll and I am a watercolour artist based in Devon, England. I love painting and gain much inspiration from the landscapes, wildlife and coasts of Devon and Cornwall.
Wildlife painting has become a major part of who I am. I strive to capture the essence of the subjects I paint and the eyes of the animal hold a special place in the painting. Once I have the eyes I like to work loosely, leaving much to the viewer's imagination. If people like what I have painted then that makes me very happy.
I also take on commissions and these have presented me with lots of new and unexpected challenges. Find me on facebook, twitter and instagram (links at the bottom of the page) which I regularly update with new work.
Here are some of the highlights of what I have been doing outside the studio.
2023 - Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours
I was delighted to be chosen as a non-member exhibitor for this year's Annual Exhibition at the Mall galleries.
2022 - The Kingfisher's hour - for solo piano
An unusual question by email led to a link up with a Japanese music publisher and one of my kingfisher paintings being used on the cover of some sheet music - The Kingfisher’s hour (2021) - for solo piano - Atsushi Yamanaka.
2020 - in the grounds of Lympstone Manor
I was very happy to be involved in Michael Caines' new addition to Lympstone this year by providing some of the artwork for the Shepherd Huts set in the beautiful grounds of the Manor.
2019 - Doddiscombsleigh Art Show
Very pleased to be part of the biennial Doddiscombsleigh Art Show again - my work is on sale alongside a stunning collection of art from other artists in the south west, raising funds for the local school.
Explorers against extinction
I was very happy to be included in the Sketch for Survival auction again this year along with other artists and celebrities, supporting the work of the wildlife protection charity Explorers against extinction.
Teaching in France
I was excited to head off to France in April to tutor a group on a painting holiday - Pallettes de Gascogne - near Toulouse. The South West of France gave us a lot of inspiration for some great watercolours.
2018 - Sketch for survival
I was very happy to raise funds in a charity art exhibition and auction along with other artists and celebrities (including the likes of Stephen Fry, Ranulph Fiennes and Judi Dench). After the exhibition 'world tour' - taking in London, New York (and not forgetting Norwich) three of my paintings sold, raising funds for the wildlife protection work of Explorers against extinction.
Out and about in Devon
As well as my collaboration with Michael Caines at Lympstone Manor, I have also worked this year with the fantastic five star Paschoe House hotel and restaurant, and the Arundell Arms hotel - exhibiting my work for sale.across the hotels' public areas and rooms.
2016 - Buckfast bee honey labels
I am always open to applying my art in new ways and I was pleased to work on creating an image for use on honey jar labels.The star of the show is the buckfast bee and the finished product is available from Silcocks fine foods.David Shepherd wildlife exhibition
My painting 'curled fox' was part of the David Shepherd wildlife artist of the year exhibition 2016, at the Mall Gallery London. Half of all proceeds of art sales, including 'curled fox', went to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation helping to conserve wildlife across Africa and Asia. Honoured to be selected and to support the charity through art.Eco-friendly card company
Eco-friendly card company, who have produced a range of cards based on my paintings, available across the UK. They supply retail businesses wholesale so if you are interested in stocking my cards please do get in touch.Rogue Theatre Company
I was pleased to be asked to produce paintings for the award winning Rogue Theatre Company for their 2015 and 2016.spring production.
2015 - Doddiscombsleigh art show
A number of my watercolours were selected for inclusion in the biennial Doddiscombsleigh Art Show. With Michael Morpurgo as the patron, the show receives a lot of interest in the south west and has some fabulous art on display. A must to see next time.South West Academy of Fine Art open show
I was pleased to have several of my works selected for exhibit in the annual South West Academy open fine art exhibition n 2015 and 2014.2014 - Crickhowell open art exhibition
One of my owl studies was selected for entry in the Crickhowell open art exhibition at the Oriel Cric gallery. He also appeared on publicity for the exhibition and was sold at the event.