Artwork Archive artists Rebecca Rath, Demarcus McGaughey, and Philine van der Vegte. Photos courtesy of the artists

The path of an artist is never static.

It shifts and turns, ebbs and flows, driven by fresh inspirations, evolving techniques, and new opportunities. 

Each week, Artwork Archive features a talented artist to showcase their unique contributions to the art world, highlight their creative processes, and explore how Artwork Archive helps them manage their art businesses.

Art careers are as dynamic as the artists themselves. Reconnecting with those who have shared their journeys with us is always exciting, and recently, we caught up with three former Featured Artists: Rebecca Rath, Demarcus McGaughey, and Philine van der Vegte. 

We've invited them back to share updates on their latest projects, peek into their future plans, and discuss how Artwork Archive continues to play a role in their thriving art careers.

Rebecca Rath pictured in her studio. Photo courtesy of the artist 

Catching Up With Artist Rebecca Rath

When we last spoke to Artwork Archive artist Rebecca "Bec" Rath in August 2022, she was exploring her deep connection with the Australian landscape and working straight from the land 'en plen air.'

Since then, Bec has continued to develop her distinct style, focusing on landscapes and environmental narratives through a series of engaging projects and exhibitions.

Her work boasts painterly strokes with bold, vivid colors that represent the intuitive and authentic freedom of her home in Hunter Valley, NSW. 

Here's what Rebecca told us she has been up to since we last spoke:

New Projects, Solo Exhibitions, and a Residency Exploring Climate Change

Since being featured on Artwork Archive, I’ve been fortunate to work on a diverse range of projects, each offering a unique exploration of landscapes and narratives. 

A significant highlight was the creation of a comprehensive body of work showcased in a solo exhibition at the respected gallery Art2Muse in Sydney. My pieces for this show were inspired by the picturesque Hawkesbury River, located just 30 minutes north of Sydney. The exhibition was titled “Hawkesbury" where I sought to capture the essence of this captivating waterway through impasto paint, energetic mark-making, and vibrant colors.

I also had the privilege of participating in an artist residency collective to commemorate the legacy of the Liddell Coal Power Station in Muswellbrook, New South Wales. This experience both enriched my artistic skills and provided a platform to explore and address important issues. During the residency, I explored vital contemporary themes like climate change and renewable energy through my work, which featured large-scale charcoal drawings of ready-made still-life objects.

My artistic motivation is to encourage feelings of joy and resilience, while also celebrating the profound connection shared between humanity and the natural world

Currently, my focus is on creating a new body of work for an upcoming exhibition at Grainger Gallery in Canberra, opening this November. This collection will pay tribute to Canberra's (Australia’s capital) unique landscapes. I aim to capture its essence through meticulous observation and documentation, offering viewers a glimpse into its distinct beauty and character.

With each project, I strive to evoke a sense of connection and contemplation, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the landscapes depicted and reflect on the intricate relationship between environment, society, and human experience. 

Rebecca Rath at Hawkesbury Exhibition at Art2Muse. Photo courtesy of the artist

Staying Organized Through Artwork Archive Has Been Vital to My Success as An Artist

Artwork Archive has been integral to my business, functioning as my online personal assistant that organizes all aspects of my work. From cataloging artworks to retaining essential data, generating invoices, and other crucial documents, Artwork Archive streamlines my daily creative routine and efficiently manages all aspects of my art practice.

I've recently discovered, and thoroughly enjoyed, utilizing Artwork Archive's Private Room feature. This innovative tool proved invaluable during an online Studio Release I recently organized. It allowed me to share the work with clients on my mailing list before the public release, granting them exclusive access to the pieces.

Doing this fostered a sense of connection with my valued collectors and also enhanced their own engagement with my art practice. I found that using Private Rooms in this way was successful and consequently sold work prior to the release date. 

Artwork Archive's intuitive interface and countless features provide clarity and organization, allowing me to dedicate more time to do the most important part, make art! I recommend Artwork Archive to all my artistic friends and colleagues.

Without Artwork Archive, I would be lost.

Admittedly, our most inspired moments occur within the sanctuary of the studio, not amidst the tedious tasks of data entry. So, I’ve found Artwork Archive vital to improving my organizational skills, and streamlining business processes, which leaves me more time to focus on my creativity. The level of organization I get with the platform instills confidence in collectors and galleries, facilitates efficient inventory management, and enhances my productivity. Artwork Archive enhances my professional reputation while laying a solid foundation for continued growth and business success.

Rebecca Rath pictured en plein air working on "Up River Down River" project. Photo courtesy of the artist

Every Artist Has Been a Beginner. Moving Forward, I Reaffirm This Advice.

Everyone has been a beginner. Do your best to learn from all artists. Ask questions, take classes, try on all styles, and get your ‘brush mileage’ up. 

When you take the pressure off making something perfect and allow yourself to enjoy the process, this is where the magic happens.

Over time you will find your flow, but in the meantime, let yourself make happy "mistakes". When you paint with joy and freedom, your work shows this. Painting is emotion. Let yourself feel the landscape and enjoy the process.

—Advice given by Rebecca Rath in August 2022

Reflecting on the advice shared during my last feature, I would reaffirm its importance and add some insights gained from my experiences since then. I want to also highlight the significance of patience and self-compassion in your own artistic journey. Try not to compare yourself to others. To quote Theodore Roosevelt:  “Comparison is the thief of joy”. 

Embrace imperfection as a natural part of the creative process. Understand that mistakes are opportunities for a growth mindset and learning is crucial.

That's why I emphasize the importance of cultivating joyful exploration and experimentation, even if it sometimes means painting with the intention of throwing away the final piece.

And finally, don't overlook the transformative power of painting authentically with emotion. Connect deeply with your subjects and paint from genuine feeling—it will foster a sense of connection and resonance in your work. Trust your creative intuition, approach your practice with curiosity and openness, and find joy and fulfillment in the painting process.

Art is emotion. 

Demarcus McGaughey pictured in his studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Catching Up With Artist Demarcus McGaughey

Demarcus McGaughey specializes in a mixed-media style that combines painting, photography, and graphic design with paper and fabric collages. 

It was through painting, though, that he discovered an avenue to tell stories ... his way. His vibrant portraits capture elements of his world travels, his family, and his community. Each painting is a love statement to the world, declaring, “I see you and I hear you.” 

Demarcus was featured on Artwork Archive in February 2023. Since then, his artistic repertoire has expanded remarkably, marked by an array of exhibitions and a deepened connection with his community through art.

Here's what Demarcus told us he has been up to since we last spoke:

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The Last Time We Spoke, Life Went Into Fast-Forward

The last time we spoke in February 2023, life went into fast forward.

I had one museum solo exhibition, five gallery solo exhibitions, twelve group exhibitions, and two public art installments. I'm currently preparing for my upcoming solo exhibition, "Oak Cliff", which will be held at the Established Gallery in Brooklyn New York from May 4—June 2, 2024.

Looking back over the past year, I'm most proud of the privilege and opportunity to create, exhibit, and connect with viewers and new supporters. It's such a blessing to be able to do something you love full-time and on this level.

2023 and the beginning of 2024 have been incredibly fast-paced. I'm proud of all the opportunities I've had to exhibit my work in various places around the world. I'm looking forward to sharing this next body of work, but I'm also looking forward to taking some time for self-care and creating a better work-life balance.

Demarcus McGaughey pictured with Daisha Board Gallery, Tin District, Opening Night. Hueman + The Rise. Image courtesy of the artist

I'm in the Process of Creating a Trust for When I've Passed On, and Artwork Archive has Everything I Need

Artwork Archive keeps me an organized and professional artist. I've archived most of my life's body of work, and it has everything I need at my fingertips.

What I really love is that when I drop art off at galleries, I'm able to create a list of work with photos and descriptions. Once I drop off the work, I ask the gallery to sign off on the pieces they have in their possession. It keeps us both organized and helps build a trusting relationship.

I constantly hear from galleries and curators, "Wow you're so organized."

With Artwork Archive, I'm able to provide basically everything that is needed on my part to exhibit and sell my work. Also, when a curator asks to see my portfolio or a series, I can send them a link to a Private Room with artwork selected just for them. It's all click and drag; it's so easy.

I'm currently in the process of creating a trust so that my art can continue to be exhibited after I've passed on. I've shared my Artwork Archive account with the executor of my trust so they can access every piece I've ever created, including where it was made, the materials used, who purchased the work, and where.

Who knows? If I blow up in the afterlife, my trust will have everything they need thanks to Artwork Archive.

As much as I use Artwork Archive, I know I am still not utilizing it to its full potential. I've recently discovered the Open Calls and Learning Center feature which lists all past and upcoming webinars. The other day, I took the Artist's Guide to Copyright Webinar. There were things I already knew but I learned even more. This platform and company really support artists working in the art industry—Artwork Archive levels you up in so many different areas of your practice.

Inside Demarcus McGaughey's studio. Image courtesy of the artist

Remember This: You are Uniquely Designed. There is No Other Person On This Planet That Can Do What You Do

You are uniquely designed. There is no other person on this planet that can do what you can do.

You have a gift and it's your responsibility to use this artistic gift to impact the world. I dare you to use it.

I dare you to create your life. And, I dare you to use your gift!

—Advice given by Demarcus McGaughey in February 2023

I would still give this same advice.

However, I would add this: Once you've discovered your gift and created your life, ask yourself how much of your gift are you using. Are you using it to its maximum possibility? What would it look like if you used 100 percent of your artistic gift?"

These questions are important. 

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Philine van der Vegte pictured alongside her work. Photo courtesy of the artist

Catching Up With Artist Philine van der Vegte

Back in October of 2022, artist Philine van der Vegte admitted to us that she often prefers the company of those on four legs. 

Working from her studio (a converted dairy farm just north of Amsterdam, Netherlands), Philine spent her creative days drawing her animal subjects from life in the fields and barns around her. 

When we last spoke, she was set on exploring the long-standing (and sometimes uncomfortable) relationship between kept animals and humans. Over the last year and a half, Philine has deepened her exploration of figurative art, participating in prestigious exhibitions and engaging in thoughtful projects that reflect on personal and collective memories. 

Here's what Philine's update on her latest artistic explorations: 

Taking the Time to Look Back at What I've Already Achieved Helps me Move Forward

Since being featured on Artwork Archive, I've worked on my series "Idyll" for a solo exhibition at the small Museum Jan Boom in the Netherlands.

The premise of this series is that an idyll represents a kind of Utopia—not really existing in the here and now, but only briefly passing, or perhaps only there in memories and romantic wishful-thinking.

In these works, I returned to images of harmony and simpler living, using pictures of the children when they were little and scenes from when our smallholding was bustling with the growth of vegetables, livestock, and an abundance of young animals and homegrown food. One tends to forget all the hard work, the tiredness, the deaths of animals, and the moment of slaughter—only the frolicking lambs remain. Of course, this series is about escapism. But don’t we all wish to escape reality every now and then?

Another fun project was “Favourable Wind”, an installation I made with a few artist friends for Museum De Speeltoren. It consisted of an enormous stormy seas mural with mobiles of semi-transparent sails in the space. It was inspired by a story from the Battle of the Zuyderzee in 1573, where the ships had to wait several days for a favorable wind.

I am very proud to be represented by Gallery Mokum in Amsterdam, one of the oldest galleries for figurative art in the Netherlands. They took my work to important fairs, such as PAN Amsterdam and KunstRAI, and I painted the gallery dog live in front of an audience at the Affordable Art Fair. I also had two lovely solo shows in 2023, one in the Boterhal and one in Museum Jan Boon.

Sometimes you feel like you’re no good at all as an artist—alone and stuck. I think a lot of artists will know this feeling.

Comparing yourself to others usually makes it worse. But, if I take the time to look back to where I came from, and what I have achieved already, it can really help me move forward again.

Philine van der Vegte live painting the gallery dog at the Affordable Art Fair. Photo courtesy of the artist

Whenever I Finish a Painting, I Put it in Artwork Archive

I still register everything I make in Artwork Archive. It helps me keep records of what is available or which work is at a show somewhere.

Now, I use Private Rooms a lot more to make gallery or other show proposals. From the Private Room, I can easily create an exhibition.

I'm also using the Editions feature more, to keep track of the printmaking I do (etching, lithography, and monotype).

Staying organized has been crucial for quickly coming up with pieces for a show when an opportunity comes along. With the size and data filters on Artwork Archive, it’s very easy to select appropriate pieces for a show or exhibition.

An Art Career is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Make good work! That's most important.

But it also really helps to be organized so that if you get the opportunity for a show or an interview you can react quickly with a proposal.

—Advice given by Philine van der Vegte in October 2022

I feel like this is still good advice. I might add to keep courage—it's as much a reminder to myself as it is to others.

An art career is a marathon, not a sprint. I always want to go too fast.

A view of Philine van der Vegte's studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

In the ever-evolving journeys of Rebecca Rath, Demarcus McGaughey, and Philine van der Vegte, one constant remains: the indispensable role of Artwork Archive in supporting their art careers.

As each artist navigates new projects and explores different paths, their ability to stay organized with Artwork Archive has proven essential to their success. This platform consistently offers them the tools they need to manage their art smoothly, keep track of their progress, and gear up for exhibitions, helping their art careers thrive and stay well-coordinated.

Why not see for yourself? Try Artwork Archive for free for 14 days and give your art career the same advantage.