The artist

My Story

Rhonda Weaver’s personal story card, with a portrait of Rhonda and her dog. Her art grows from photographs, memories, travels, people, places, and animals; she uses photography and digital tools to preserve moments of home and nature.

Rhonda holding a camera surrounded by her chipmunk, macaw and Venice photographs

Caricature (just for fun)

Art and photography by Rhonda Weaver

Places and moments worth remembering.

A collection of quiet views, joyful encounters, and the beauty found along the way.

Alaska

The story behind “Hubbard Glacier”

My husband and I were on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Alaska when I took this photograph from the ship’s top deck. Snow-covered mountains rose behind Hubbard Glacier’s long wall of blue ice, while smaller pieces floated across the water below us.

It was one of those views that made me stop and take it all in. The scale of it felt almost impossible to capture, but I wanted to keep the beauty of that moment—and the wonder of seeing it for myself—long after we came home.

Silky waterfall flowing over rocks surrounded by forest near Skagway, Alaska — Bridal Veil Falls
Near Skagway, Alaska

Bridal Veil Falls — Alaska

A waterfall I photographed near Skagway during our Alaska trip. A soft, silky-water effect brings out the flow against the rocks and forest.

Mendenhall Glacier with blue ice, snowy mountains and trees in Alaska — Beyond the Trees
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

The story behind “Beyond the Trees”

One of my favorite memories from Alaska began with a hike through the beautiful Tongass National Forest. At the end of that hike was this incredible view of Mendenhall Glacier.

A winding forest trail beneath towering trees in Tongass National Forest, Hoonah, Alaska — Into the Quiet
Hoonah, Alaska

Into the Quiet

While hiking through the Tongass National Forest in Hoonah, Alaska, I found myself surrounded by towering trees and a silence unlike anything I had experienced before. As I followed the winding trail, I felt completely calm, grounded, and grateful to be standing in such a peaceful place.

This artwork began as one of my original photographs. I later transformed it into a digital painting, allowing me to express not only what I saw that day, but also the quiet feeling the forest left with me.

Original photograph captured in Hoonah, Alaska • Digitally transformed by RL Weaver

Sea lions resting on a red and green buoy in Alaska, with snowy mountains behind them and another sea lion swimming nearby — Harbor Rest
Alaska

The story behind “Harbor Rest”

While on a whale watching boat excursion, we came upon this buoy. Sea lions were putting on quite a show. They would playfully push one another off the buoy as we watched.

The silly sea lions played until they decided to stop and take a nap on the buoy, soaking in the sun from above.

Snow-covered Alaska mountains above blue water, with a whale tail rising from the surface

A Moment I Carried Home

Standing near the waters of Alaska, I was overwhelmed by the beauty around me and thrilled to catch a glimpse of a beautiful giant whale as it dove deep into the water’s depth.

My camera captured the moment, but not quite the feeling.

This piece is my interpretation of that unforgettable experience—the scene I carried home in my heart.

A giant brown and gold starfish gently held in two hands on Alaska’s rocky shore — Alaska’s Gentle Giant
Alaska

The story behind “Alaska’s Gentle Giant”

While walking along the rocky shore in Alaska, I saw a boy gently carrying this giant starfish in his hands. It had washed ashore, and he was carefully returning it to the ocean where it belonged.

I stopped to watch for a moment, touched by the kindness of someone so young. Before he walked away, I told him how proud I was of the gentle care he had shown for such a beautiful creature.

That simple moment reminded me that compassion doesn’t have to be grand to make a difference. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness leave the biggest impression—and become the memories we carry home.

Brilliant pink sea star resting among dark, patterned stones on Alaska’s rocky shore — Star of the Shore
Alaska

The story behind “Star of the Shore”

While exploring the rocky shoreline of Alaska, I spotted this beautiful pink sea star resting underwater among the stones. I took this photograph from above the water’s surface, looking down through the crystal-clear Alaska water. The water was so clear that every detail of the sea star and the rocks beneath it could be seen. Its brilliant color stood out against the dark rocks, almost as if nature had placed it there just to be noticed.

Nearby, I watched a young boy gently return another sea star to the water. Together, the two moments reminded me how much beauty can be found when we simply slow down and look around.

Bald eagle perched on branches against a rich blue sky in Ketchikan, Alaska

Bald eagle perched at the top of a tall bare tree against a blue sky

The Guardian

Ketchikan, Alaska

I saw this bald eagle at the top of a very tall tree in Ketchikan, Alaska. He seems to be looking down, so I think he may be on high alert as he guards his surroundings.

Passenger train curving along a rocky mountainside beneath snow-covered mountains and a blue sky in Alaska

Around the Bend

As the train curved around the mountain, it felt like the world opened up just a little more with every turn.

There’s something about not knowing what’s around the bend that makes the journey so exciting.

You trust the track, the engine, and the view that keeps getting better.

Life is a lot like that. You can’t always see what’s ahead, but if you keep moving forward, there’s a good chance the next bend will take you somewhere beautiful.

Aruba

The story behind “A Prayer in Every Stone”

On the rocky shore of Aruba, I found something simple yet profound. Stacking stones has long been a symbol of balance, strength, and intention.

For many believers, including myself, each stone represents a personal prayer. A hope, a wish, a thank you, or a quiet moment of peace.

In this stack, and in every one around it, is a reminder that no prayer is ever too small, and that even the simplest acts can reach the heavens.

Bahamas

A Quiet Shore

Bahamas

Pale sand, clear turquoise water, and palms stirred by a warm breeze—this scene captures the kind of beautiful view you might enjoy from a beach in the Bahamas.

Gentle waves meet the shore, and the water deepens from soft aqua to blue toward the horizon. It is a view that invites you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy a quiet moment with nowhere else you need to be.

Barbados

Swaying in the Sea Breeze

Barbados

Barbados is an island nation at the eastern edge of the Caribbean region, known for its beautiful beaches and inviting island scenery.

When I took this photograph, I remember being drawn to the beautiful blue color of the sea and the gentle sway of the palm leaves in the breeze. The waves rolled toward the shore while the long fronds moved softly above them. It was a simple scene, but one I wanted to carry home.

There was something peaceful about that moment—the color of the water, the warmth of the day, and the easy movement of the palms. This photograph brings me back to that feeling of slowing down and enjoying the beauty right in front of me.

Belize

A Walk Through Maya History

Xunantunich, Belize

Jim and I toured the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich during our visit to Belize. The stone terraces and broad stairways offered a glimpse into a world far older than our own, making this a memorable part of our travels together.

Located in western Belize, above the Mopan River near the Guatemalan border, Xunantunich preserves the remains of an ancient Maya city. Its weathered temples are reminders of the people who once built, lived and gathered here.

The site still holds stories waiting to be uncovered. In 2016, archaeologists discovered a large royal tomb and two carved hieroglyphic panels at Structure A9. The inscriptions helped illuminate the history of ancient Maya rulers, including the Snake dynasty.

This print carries home a memory of the ruins Jim and I explored, and a connection to the history held within these old stones.

Caribbean

A Window Beneath the Sea

Caribbean Submarine Excursion

Jim and I went on an excursion in a real submarine, descending beneath the Caribbean Sea and watching fish swim outside our porthole. From inside, we had a window into a world we usually only see from above.

This image recreates that memory: blue water stretching beyond the glass, reef fish passing nearby, and the remarkable feeling of being underwater while sitting safely inside a submarine.

I wanted to preserve the wonder of that experience we shared—a glimpse beneath the sea that stayed with me long after we returned to the surface.

Cayman Islands

A Story Untold

While dining outdoors in the Cayman Islands, south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea, I noticed this lone boat resting on the turquoise water.

Who owned it? Where had it traveled? What stories might it hold?

I never learned its history, but its quiet presence stayed with me—a small mystery framed by palms and the peaceful sea.

Costa Rica

The story behind “Silent Presence”

While slowly coasting through a jungle river in a small excursion boat in Costa Rica, we held our breath as we quietly drifted past this crocodile resting along the muddy bank.

So perfectly camouflaged against its surroundings, it was easy to miss until we were almost beside it. It remained completely still, watching the river with quiet patience—a reminder that nature’s greatest strength is often found in silence.

Brilliant blue crab sheltering inside an old muddy tire on the coastline of Costa Rica — Blue Hideaway
Costa Rica

The story behind “Blue Hideaway”

While exploring the coastline of Costa Rica, I spotted this brilliant blue crab hiding safely inside an old tire, using it as an unexpected refuge. Against the dark, muddy surroundings, its vibrant color seemed almost unreal. It was a reminder that nature often reveals its greatest beauty in the most unexpected places.

Cozumel, Mexico

Painting of three women dancing in yellow, pink, and turquoise dresses on terracotta tiles while a man plays bongos in a lush Cozumel courtyard

The Colors of Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

I created this digitally assisted print to preserve one of my favorite memories of Cozumel: watching three young women dance together in colorful dresses while a man played the bongos. The flowing skirts, bright colors, and lively rhythm made it a moment I wanted to carry home with me.

Curaçao

Colors Along the Water

Curaçao lies in the southern Caribbean Sea, near the coast of Venezuela. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful beaches, clear waters, snorkeling and diving, and the colorful historic waterfront of its capital, Willemstad.

What stayed with me was the color—the cheerful pinks, yellows, and blues of the buildings beside the beautiful turquoise water. Together, they made me feel peaceful and uplifted, inviting me to slow down and simply enjoy the view.

Colors Along the Water brings those impressions together in an artistic composite, preserving the beauty and quiet joy I remember from Curaçao.

Dominican Republic

Scarlet macaw perched against tropical foliage — Scarlet Jewel
Dominican Republic
bird sanctuary

The story behind “Scarlet Jewel”

While traveling in the Dominican Republic, I found myself face to face with this beautiful scarlet macaw.

As I stood quietly admiring its brilliant colors, it seemed just as curious about me as I was about it. For a few unforgettable moments, we simply watched one another.

Sometimes the most memorable travel experiences aren’t the places we visit, but the unexpected connections we make with the wildlife that calls those places home.

A Kiss in the Caribbean

Dominican Republic

My husband, Jim, and I got to swim with dolphins on two different occasions. This image captures a moment from our first experience in the Dominican Republic—a sweet kiss that still makes me smile.

During that first swim, Jim and I each had our own dolphin. We each lay lengthwise along our dolphin’s body and held onto its fins. The dolphins took us through the water at such a fast pace, giving us the ride of our lives!

On our second dolphin swim, we floated on our stomachs with our legs stretched straight behind us. The dolphins pushed against the bottoms of our feet, sending us skimming across the top of the water. It felt like we were flying—a feeling unlike anything either of us had ever experienced. It was so much fun, and we loved every moment!

These are memories Jim and I will always treasure.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Gentle Passage

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

While enjoying a relaxing catamaran ride out into the Caribbean, we were given the opportunity to leave the boat and swim with sea turtles. Jim was the brave one—he went into the water while I stayed on the boat, enjoying the music and soaking in the beautiful atmosphere all around us.

Honduras

An Unforgettable Ride

Honduras

Honduras lies in Central America, with the Caribbean Sea along its northern coast. Its tropical shores offered the setting for one of the most unusual experiences my husband, Jim, and I have shared.

We went horseback riding on this beach, but what made the ride special was where the horses took us next. With us still riding on their backs, they swam through the water to a small island close to shore. It was an experience that made this visit to Honduras unforgettable.

“An Unforgettable Ride” preserves our memory of horseback riding in Honduras. These are the two horses we rode.

When I look at this image, I remember more than a beautiful beach. I remember being there with Jim, carried through the water by these horses, on a journey unlike any other.

Italy

The Colosseum

This is the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, one of the greatest works of architecture ever built and a symbol of the power and ambition of the Roman Empire.

Built between A.D. 72 and 80 by Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son Titus, it once held up to 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was the site of gladiator contests, animal hunts, and dramatic re-enactments of sea battles—events meant to entertain the public and demonstrate Rome’s might.

Over nearly 2,000 years, it has endured earthquakes, fires, and the natural wear of time. The outer walls were built with travertine stone, iron clamps, and brick. Many of these materials were later removed and reused in other buildings, leaving behind the missing sections we see today.

Though broken, the Colosseum still stands as a powerful reminder of human history, resilience, and the passage of time—and a reflection of the human spirit, which endures through every challenge, rises after every fall, and continues to inspire.

Leaning Tower of Pisa on the left and Pisa Cathedral on the right beneath a blue sky — Piazza dei Miracoli
Pisa, Italy

Pisa Cathedral on the left and the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the right beneath a blue sky

Piazza dei Miracoli

This photograph was taken in Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy.

On the left is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the cathedral’s bell tower, known for its famous tilt.

On the right is the Pisa Cathedral, officially called the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

The rounded structure in front is the apse, a historic part of the original design.

Together, these buildings are part of one of Italy’s most extraordinary landmarks.

St. Peter’s Basilica framed by old buildings along a quiet street beneath a brilliant blue sky

The Road to St. Peter’s

While exploring Rome, I looked down this quiet street and saw the magnificent dome of St. Peter’s Basilica rising ahead. Framed by the old buildings and a brilliant blue sky, it was one of those views that made me stop and reach for my camera.

Gondolas on a Venice canal, viewed from above through a gap in a stone bridge

A Glimpse of Venice

Venice, Italy

Venice lies in northeastern Italy, in a lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Its canals, stone bridges, and historic buildings create a setting unlike anywhere else—a city where the water is part of everyday life.

I took this photograph while looking down through a gap in a stone bridge at the gondolas passing along the canal below. That small opening framed a beautiful glimpse of Venice: weathered walls, reflections on the water, and people enjoying a moment in this remarkable city.

During our visit, Jim and I got to ride in a gondola with some good friends who traveled to Europe with us. Sharing that experience made it especially memorable. This photograph brings me back to that time together and the joy of discovering Venice with people we care about.

Panama

The story behind “Hidden in the Rainforest”

While traveling along a jungle river through the rainforest in Panama, I spotted this sloth high in the trees from our boat.

He moved so slowly and quietly that he almost blended in with the leaves. Just hanging there, completely at peace, as if time had stopped.

It was a reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and appreciate the simple beauty of life—even when it’s hidden in plain sight.

Puerto Rico

The story behind “Sheltered in Color”

While staying at a little B&B in Puerto Rico, below our balcony, I saw this beautiful street sheltered beneath a brilliant canopy of colorful umbrellas.

An umbrella is such a simple symbol of protection—a place of shelter when we need it. These umbrellas reminded me of the many ways we are protected and cared for throughout our lives.

But perhaps they are also a reminder that sometimes we can be the shelter—offering kindness, comfort, and protection to someone who needs a safe place beneath our umbrella.

Iguana — Puerto Rico

An iguana peeking from an old stone wall in Puerto Rico.

Saint John

Tropical Cove

Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Saint John is a beautiful Caribbean island, where green hills meet white sandy beaches and clear turquoise water.

Being there brought me a sense of peace. Looking across this cove, I felt myself slow down and simply enjoy the beauty in front of me. For a little while, the worries I carried felt lighter.

I took this photograph to remember the view—but also the quiet feeling it gave me. Even now, it brings me back to that peaceful place.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Where History Still Stands

Brimstone Hill Fortress — Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts lies in the eastern Caribbean, where it shares a country with its neighboring island, Nevis. Its green mountains and beautiful scenery drew my attention, but standing among these old stone walls, I felt something deeper—the history all around me.

Built in stages between the 1690s and 1790s, Brimstone Hill Fortress recalls a time when European powers fought for control of the Caribbean. British engineers designed the fortifications, and enslaved Africans built and maintained them. Behind these walls are stories of conflict, hardship, skill, and endurance.

Looking past the cannon toward the mountains, I thought about the people who had stood here centuries before me. The landscape was beautiful, yet the old metal and stone reminded me how much this place had witnessed.

I took this photograph to remember both the view and that feeling—the quiet awareness of standing somewhere the past still feels close.

Saint Maarten

A Quiet Harbor

Saint Maarten

On the Dutch side of this Caribbean island, I paused beside the rocky shoreline to photograph the sailboats resting on blue water. White clouds filled the sky, and beyond the boats, the distant shore seemed to slip quietly into the horizon.

There is something restful about a boat at anchor. Its journeys are paused for a while, its sails folded, with nowhere it needs to be. This scene invites that same feeling—a moment to breathe, let your thoughts settle, and enjoy the view.

I brought this photograph home as a reminder that even when life feels busy or uncertain, there can still be a quiet place to rest.

Saint Thomas

A Harbor to Remember

Charlotte Amalie Harbor — Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Saint Thomas is one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, in the northeastern Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico. Visitors come for its beautiful beaches, boating, snorkeling, scenic views, and the shops and historic streets of Charlotte Amalie, the territory’s capital.

This view looks over Charlotte Amalie Harbor on the island’s southern coast. The cruise ship is docked in the Havensight area, while sailboats rest across the bay and yachts gather at the marina. Beyond the waterfront, homes climb the green hills, bringing the town and tropical landscape together.

I visited Saint Thomas, and this image reflects how I remember it—the blue water, the boats scattered across the harbor, and the hills rising around the town. There was so much to take in, yet from above it all seemed to settle into one beautiful view.

I wanted to keep this scene as a personal reminder of my visit: a place I can return to in memory, long after the journey has ended.

Spain

Barcelona Cathedral

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
Barcelona, Spain

A stunning Gothic cathedral in the heart of Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter.

Built on the site of ancient churches, its roots date back to the late 1200s.

The magnificent façade you see today was completed in the late 1800s in the beautiful Neo-Gothic style.

A timeless blend of faith, art, and history—welcoming all for over 800 years.

Close to Home

Weathered Dodge Power Wagon in an overgrown field at sunset, with a cowboy hat and boots beside its front wheel

Forgotten Treasure

Sitting quietly in an overgrown field, this old truck looked as though time had simply passed it by. Weathered and forgotten, it had a beauty all its own, and I knew I had to capture it.

This photograph became one of my early favorites and even won a photography contest. But the story didn’t end there. Someone who saw my photograph became interested in the old truck, tracked down its owner—and eventually bought it.

Sometimes a forgotten treasure just needs someone to notice it again.

Squirrel hanging upside down from a bird feeder, looking toward the window

Caught in the Act

Mr. Squirrel was enjoying his snack and I looked out the window right as he looked at me.

The look on his face is why the title of this print is “Caught In The Act.”

Chipmunk at a rustic metal bird feeder — Just One More Bite

The story behind “Just One More Bite”

I have a couple of small bird feeders near a large window. Each day they are visited by wonderful little animals looking for a tasty treat.

My three indoor cats love watching their daily visitors. It’s entertainment for them, and a joy for me.

RL Weaver Art & Photography

Art Prints on Cardstock

Every print begins with something I want to hold on to—a place, a memory, or a feeling.

Some of my prints begin with a photograph I have taken. Others grow from a memory I want to preserve, creating a scene that reflects how that moment lives in my mind. Sometimes my inspiration comes from a song—the words, the music, or the feelings it brings back.

Through digital art, I bring these inspirations to life as prints designed for cardstock. Each piece is a way of sharing a story that matters to me, with the hope that it will stir a memory or feeling of your own.