B. Rachelle Swanson With my work, I try to exude a feeling of warmth, peacefulness, and comfort. I am inspired by my need to create these qualities of life in my own surroundings. Given this intent, I seem to focus on still life interiors primarily, though my portrait work tends to create a similar "environment." It is important to me that the viewer feel invited into my paintings, or at least feel intrigued enough to enter on their own and maybe escape the stresses of the day for awhile. My palette tends to be quite neutral, but maintains a strong contrast between cool shadows and warm lighting.