My name is Rachael Rossman and I'm a portrait artist in Salem, Oregon. You may have seen my work on dooce.com, marthastewart.com, thepioneerwoman.com or thebloggess.com. I've also been fortunate enough to paint portraits of Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman, Jenny Lawson and some celebrity pets. It's a pretty good gig. 

400 Portraits in 400 Days is my third Kickstarter project and my second portrait series. I want to do something unique to celebrate my upcoming 40th birthday - something big and grand and scary that will keep me on task for the whole year (and then some). Forty seemed like such an insignificant number that I kicked it up a notch - or rather, 10 notches. My goal is to paint 400 paintings - one a day for 400 days.

I'm keeping the size of the paintings small so success is realistic. I will start painting on January 1, 2013. Between now and then, I will finish up my Dia de Los Muertos portraits,  button up my regular commission work for the year (and the holiday rush)! and be ready to commit 400 days to this project. 

If funding is successful, I will have insured solid, steady portrait work for the next year. That's a big deal for an artist.

If funding is SUPER successful, I will be investing in my business by renovating a vintage mid-century Spartan trailer to use as my new studio. The success of this project could be a turning point in my career.

I might even be able to quit my day job.

I love interacting with new and returning clients with these portrait series - it really is very brave to send a photo to a complete stranger and have them paint you. I do my best to send back something that is unique and beautiful.  

Here's what previous Kickstarter backers have said about paintings in my Dia de Los Muertos portrait series:

"I'm really pleased by the success of your project. Thanks so much for making my kid a part of it."

"That's kiiiiind of amazing!"

"OMG it is brilliant! This is so haunting and disturbing!"

"Wow, that's amazing. When I looked at that it was like someone punched me in the heart, and I mean that in the best possible way."

This is my third Kickstarter project. You can see past ones here and here and my portfolio, here.

I can't wait to paint you!