July, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #2: Tessa Raybuck
Retired Air Force Veteran Tessa finds inspiration in the quiet beauty of the outdoors. A mom of three, dog lover, cyclist, and nature enthusiast, she uses watercolor to capture moments that leave a lasting impression. Her piece, Widewater State Park Potomac River, was inspired by a peaceful day spent with her husband along a serene cove off the Potomac.
Through her art, Tessa embraces creativity as a calming practice, continually challenging herself to learn new techniques and step beyond her comfort zone. She believes art is less about perfection and more about expressing emotions, finding peace, and putting something meaningful on paper.
Name:
Tessa Raybuck
Branch of service:
Air Force
About:
Retired Air Force Veteran. I enjoy pairing, cycling, being outdoors. Mom of three kids and three dogs.
Title of Piece:
Widewater State Park Potomac River
Medium of Piece:
Watercolor
Meaning Behind Piece:
I was there with my husband enjoying the day and this little cove off the Potomac was just so peaceful.
What inspires you to create art?:
One inspired by nature and the peace it brings.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
I’ve found a creative calming medium that I am always able to learn new processes in.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
I am always challenging myself to go outside my comfort zone. Sometimes it brings about surprises.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
Usually it is going out and taking pictures and there is a tugging at my heart and mental feeling that I can’t get out of my head that inspires me to get something on paper.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
I just recently found the app again and was looking for a community of like minded folks now that I’m retired.
Our monthly theme is Veterans & Their Art, but Tessa submitted this when we were celebrating Fall Festival. Here’s what she had planned:
I enjoy walking and looking at the leaves turning. The change in how the air smells has always been my favorite.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
It doesn’t matter if you like what you create, it is about getting something on paper and releasing the emotions you have. About 1:4 of my pieces go to a reject pile and that’s ok because it’s just paper and no harm no foul.
