Meet Rebekah Huffman | Watercolor Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebekah Huffman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebekah, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was little I’ve loved to draw and paint. I would fill sketchbook after sketchbook with drawings and doodles. I was always told I had a talent and could pursue being an artist as a career. For me, a career as an artist was never something I thought about realistically. I thought being an artist meant tons of work with no means of making it, the whole “starving artist” thing. In my mind being an artist meant mural paintings, gallery openings, extremely detailed and realistic oil paintings that took hours upon hours to complete, and that was it. Don’t get me wrong, those are all great things, but not what I envisioned for my life. That’s not the type of art I wanted to create.

It wasn’t until I stumbled across a page on Instagram, Melsy’s Illustrations, that my idea of what an artist was changed. She had these really cute fashion illustrations that were fun and whimsical. I fell in love instantly! Through her account I came across a whole new world of artists (shoutout to the suggested tab on Instagram). Artists were taking their art and putting it on everything from art prints to mugs and stickers, textiles and wallpaper. The idea of being able to do that excited me so much, and things finally started clicking. This was art. This was a creative career, and it looked fun! From that day on I’ve been pursuing an artistic career. Whether that looks like what I’m doing now, or something different in the future. My idea of what being an artist is has expanded so much and I know there’s no end to the possibilities. Since starting my brand I’ve had the honor to paint and license designs for two other small businesses, and hopefully many more to come in the future!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My goal with my art is to bring joy to the everyday and help others find it too. Everyday life can feel very mundane sometimes, and it can get boring. I want my art, and my products, to help people find something fun and joyful each day. That’s why I love to paint in a whimsical style with pastels and pops of color, and why I named my business The Cheery Paperie. It’s fun and happy which is something we all need extra of in our lives.

I believe joy can be found in the smallest things. Joy is hot cups of coffee on cool fall mornings. It’s cute socks and sleeping in late, watching your favorite TV show, cupcakes, confetti, and the color pink. The feeling you get in those little joyous moments is how I hope my art makes people feel.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ll be honest, I live in Rifle and there’s not much of a social scene around here, but there are a few places I would take someone who’s never been here. Whistle Pig is a great little breakfast and lunch spot. It’s cute and cozy with good food. For dinner, two of my favorite spots are Miner’s Claim in Silt and Sammy’s Rocky Mountain Steakhouse here in town. Miner’s Claim has a nice little outdoor patio with a firepit where you can have drinks in the summer or winter. I recently went to Sammy’s for Christmas Eve dinner and it was decked out with Christmas decorations. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and reminds me of a little British pub. They also have patio seating in the warmer months which is always a plus.

As far as things to do, Rifle Falls is just a short drive outside of town and is beautiful no matter what time of year you go. I would definitely take someone to Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs or up to the Glenwood Caverns. Finding things to do in a smaller area isn’t too bad if you’re willing to look for them or drive a little ways.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents deserve a huge shoutout, they’re my biggest supporters! Every time I’ve come to them with a dream or idea I have (and there have been several) It’s been met with unconditional love, support, and encouragement, even when I wanted to leave my main job for a year to devote more time to my business. My parents have always believed that I can pursue and do anything as long as I put my mind to it. They have had faith in me and my ability even when I didn’t have any faith in myself. I especially have to shoutout my mom. She has done so much for me and my business. Bookkeeping, packaging, sitting with me at pop-up events, encouraging me, and helping me wherever I need it. She has kept me and my business going when I was ready to throw in the towel.

I also have to thank all my friends who have supported me by purchasing my items, sharing my posts, or even just cheering me on from the sidelines.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/thecheerypaperie

Instagram: The Cheery Paperie

Facebook: @TheCheeryPaperie

Image Credits
4th Image – Jessica Marie 8th Image – Juliana Mary