{"title":"Meredith Raiford Akins","description":"\u003cp\u003eMeredith is a Georgia native, originally from Vidalia and now living in Athens with her husband Alex and cat Yonah. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.F.A. in painting in 2015. After leaving UGA, Meredith traveled the world for a year painting murals as missions in Mozambique, Peru, Colombia and Jamaica. This experience altered the way she approached both art and life. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer latest body of work, “From Antiquity”, is largely inspired by first century Roman art and the murals found in the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. She loves the depth of color and subject matter that these artists utilized two thousand years ago. She also finds it deeply fascinating that the same event that caused the destruction of the cities these works inhabited is also the agent that preserved them like a time capsule all these years. We tend to view paintings of flowers and fruit as light and frivolous, but these flowers have endured volcanoes and millennia, and have still somehow maintained their strength and beauty. That’s something worth celebrating.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"iris-on-linen-1","title":"\"Iris on Linen\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e30 x 40\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on stretched linen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003eWood floater frame\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43979214815450,"sku":"MRA123","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA123IrisonLinen30x40.jpg?v=1688072238"},{"product_id":"lady-banks-rose-on-linen-1","title":"\"Lady Banks Rose on Linen\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e30 x 40\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on stretched linen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood floater frame\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43979214979290,"sku":"MRA124","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA124LadyBanksRoseonLinen30x40.jpg?v=1688072199"},{"product_id":"magnolia-on-linen-1","title":"\"Magnolia on Linen\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e36 x 48\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on stretched linen\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43979215601882,"sku":"MRA126","price":3400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA126MagnoliaonLinen36x48_45dc40a6-8ce5-4aa6-97f1-8b64df0b893a.jpg?v=1688068526"},{"product_id":"one-fine-day","title":"\"One Fine Day\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e30 x 40\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"571\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"330\"\u003eOne Fine Day\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewas painted from life just outside my studio. It was late August, and the morning air felt like that first whisper of fall. As I walked from my car to the studio, I saw the branches perfectly catching the light as they swayed in the cool breeze and couldn’t resist grabbing a canvas and spending the day trying to capture the magic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"573\" data-end=\"794\"\u003eAt the tail end of my second trimester, this was one of the last long days I spent painting outside before baby arrived—an afternoon filled with warm light, cool breezes, and the pure joy of being immersed in nature.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47047314473178,"sku":"MRA128","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA128OneFineDay30x40.jpg?v=1761251148"},{"product_id":"our-winter-camellia","title":"\"Our Winter Camellia\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e36 x 36\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"571\" data-start=\"313\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"281\"\u003eOur Winter Camellia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was the first painting in this series, and the one that challenged me the most. Begun just before I learned I was pregnant with our daughter and completed over a year later with my sweet baby by my side - this painting pushed my limits and stretched my ability. In hindsight I can see that starting a painting in my first trimester and trying to finish it in the early months of postpartum probably added several layers to the difficulty of this piece. For those same reasons though, this painting is one of the most dear and sentimental to me.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059524059354,"sku":"MRA129","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA129OurWinterCamellia36x36.jpg?v=1761586591"},{"product_id":"evergreen-quick-study","title":"\"Evergreen Quick Study\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e36 x 36\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"571\" data-start=\"313\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"368\" data-start=\"345\"\u003eEvergreen Quick Study\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a 36x36 original canvas that celebrates both freedom and restraint in the act of painting. With this series, my goal was \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to bring each piece to the same level of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003edetail\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but to the same level of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ebalance\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—allowing every painting to arrive at its own natural conclusion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059565445338,"sku":"MRA135","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA135EvergreenQuickStudy36x36.jpg?v=1761587980"},{"product_id":"japanese-cedar","title":"\"Japanese Cedar\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e36 x 48\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"215\" data-end=\"442\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"215\" data-end=\"235\"\u003eThe Japanese Cedar\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a 48x36 original on canvas inspired by the large tree that looms over the entrance of my studio. A familiar sight each day, I was finally able to take the time to sit with it and bring its character to life on canvas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"669\"\u003eFor this piece, I layered soft shades of blue to create the look of a glassy clear sky and allowed the paint to drip freely, adding natural texture and depth. The result is light and playful, yet steady—much like the cedar itself.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059569246426,"sku":"MRA136","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA136JapaneseCedar36x48.jpg?v=1761588200"},{"product_id":"sway-with-me","title":"\"Sway with Me\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e36 x 48\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"215\" data-end=\"442\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePainted as a companion to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"361\" data-start=\"349\"\u003eDraw Me In\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"377\" data-start=\"363\"\u003eSway with Me\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a 48x36 original canvas that captures the graceful movement of a eucalyptus tree surrounded by cascading, draping branches. The loose greenery, stylized forms, and rich, layered colors create a piece that feels both dynamic and serene.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059572293850,"sku":"MRA134","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA134SwaywithMe36x48.jpg?v=1761588370"},{"product_id":"dripping-with-honeysuckle","title":"\"Dripping with Honeysuckle\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e24 x 30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"465\"\u003eBegun on a sunny spring day in my backyard,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"254\" data-end=\"281\"\u003eDripping with Honeysuckle\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecelebrates one of my favorite sights of the season— our lush wall of honeysuckle that pops up each year, filling the air with the sweetest smell and creating a private, leafy sanctuary for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"860\"\u003eThis 24x30 original canvas captures their trailing blooms in all their golden, sunlit glory with loose expressive brushwork. I couldn’t approach this series without giving these nostalgic beauties their place in the lineup. The finished painting feels fresh, light-filled, and full of life—an invitation to pause and enjoy the fleeting beauty of a perfect day.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059578257626,"sku":"MRA130","price":1620.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA130DrippingwithHoneysuckle24x30.jpg?v=1761588595"},{"product_id":"draw-me-in","title":"\"Draw Me In\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e24 x 30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"465\" data-start=\"208\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"298\" data-end=\"310\"\u003eDraw Me In\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was inspired by a young elm tree I encountered on a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains. I was captivated by the way its draping leaves shifted in color—from bright green in the sunlight to deep navy in the shade—an effect that felt both enchanting and mysterious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059587465434,"sku":"MRA132","price":1620.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA132DrawMeIn24x30.jpg?v=1761588813"},{"product_id":"blue-ridge-by-the-stream","title":"\"Blue Ridge by the Stream\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e24 x 24\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"228\" data-end=\"522\"\u003ePainted en plein air on a sunlit day in the Blue Ridge Mountains,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"482\"\u003eBlue Ridge by the Stream\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecaptures a quiet moment beside a rocky creekbed. This 24x24 original on canvas centers on a vivid pocket of foliage that caught my eye—its outer leaves lit brightly by the sun, while its depths fell into a near-black shadow. The contrast felt like a peek into another world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"766\" data-end=\"1023\"\u003eFour months pregnant at the time, I took the day slowly, listening to the stream and a good book while letting this scene take shape on the canvas. I chose to leave much of the expressive brushwork intact, allowing the piece to retain the immediacy and dreamlike energy of that afternoon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059591528666,"sku":"MRA133","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA133BlueRidgebytheStream24x24.jpg?v=1761588984"},{"product_id":"moody-magnolia","title":"\"Moody Magnolia\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e24 x 24\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtist Statement: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"228\" data-end=\"522\"\u003ePainted the morning after\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"254\" data-end=\"275\"\u003eSunshowers Magnolia\u003c\/em\u003e, this 24x24 original on canvas captures a quieter, more mysterious side of the same beloved tree in my front yard. \u003cem data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"404\"\u003eMoody Magnolia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eleans into the richness of shadow and the dark spaces between the leaves—haunting in the most comforting sort of way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eFor this piece, I chose to leave more of the raw brushwork visible, letting the painting breathe and embracing its ephemeral, in-the-moment energy. The result is a work that feels both intimate and unpolished in a way that invites closeness, like stepping into a garden just after dusk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meredith Raiford Akins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059593298138,"sku":"MRA131","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0338\/2427\/6524\/files\/MRA131MoodyMagnolia24x24.jpg?v=1761589142"}],"url":"https:\/\/odettecollective.com\/collections\/meredith-raiford-akins.oembed","provider":"Odette Collective","version":"1.0","type":"link"}