Meet Roxanne Bryan | Professional artist and Traveler

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

Hi Roxanne, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Someone famous once said, “Art imitates life and life imitates art.” I find this to be true regarding painting. There’s a point in every painting where you wonder if this is a dud and should I give up or should I keep going? The hope is that a beautiful work of art will emerge out of the chaos. I’ve learned over time, that it is important to persevere and push though obstacles and bumps in the road. Finishing what you start is a lesson learned and relearned (in art and in life) because everyday, every painting, there will be something or someone that tries to throw you off. It’s a confidence builder to keep going. If my goal and dream is to create beautiful, sellable art, then I must determine in my heart to stick with it!

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.
About 10 years ago a friend invited me to an painting class. I didn’t want to go and when I found out it was an abstract oil painting class, I really didn’t want to go. Trying to be a good friend, I acquiesced. I will admit, I was an awful student … I had no idea what I was doing, I’d never tried oil painting, I couldn’t mix colors and I’m pretty sure I was annoying as heck. BUT during that class, I fell in LOVE with oil paints! I took every oil painting class that I could. And my skills began to improve. When offered an opportunity to go to the Milan Art Institute, I jumped at the chance. That was a real challenge, however, because it was a four year art program condensed into only ONE year! I turned my unused formal living room into a make shift studio and began the program. It was difficult to balance family and art school, but I was determined and my family was very supportive.
Overcoming the doubts in my head was a real accomplishment for me. I thought I was too old to embark on an art career. I was 59 years old. Too old, too short, too inexperienced in business, lacking knowledge of art and art history, lacking social media skills and little understanding of technology! Ugh! Of course, I learned that everyone has these thoughts and I wasn’t weird or alone. And painting-by-painting, step-by-step my confidence grew! I learned that stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way you learn and grow. And the more I learned and grew, the hungrier I became for more art, more understanding of all the intricacies of the art world. I’m still learning! I’m a life-long learner!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Depending on the time of year, I’d take my friends to see the wonders of Sedona, Roosevelt Lake, the White Mountains and the Superstition Mountains. I’d show them everything I could from red rocks to icy streams to gorgeous desert vistas along easy walking trails. Upon returning from these photographic wonders, we’d have a relaxing dinner at Liberty Station or Pinnacle Grill in the north Valley. I’d insist they check out Arizona Fine Art Expo (Jan. thru Mar.) A little shopping trip for gorgeous art … sculpture, painting, photography, woodworking, jewelry, etc. It would be a fun experience, guaranteed to awe my friends. Then lunch at Soul in north Scottsdale.
If my friends were still up for more art, I’d take them on the Thursday Art Walk in Scottsdale. There’s SO much to see and do and SO many places to enjoy dinner or a lovely dessert.

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?
There have been SO many people who have pushed, prodded and encouraged me along my artistic journey. My husband and family are my number one supporters! They believe in me and are always there to bounce ideas off of and lend a hand with setting up and tearing down outdoor venues and they are pretty good at critiquing a painting. My friends at Milan Art Institute mentored me and encouraged me and taught me all about oil painting early in my career. I’m forever grateful for their guidance and friendship. I’ve worked for them the past several years as a coach and mentor to up and coming artists across the globe via the internet.
About 6 years ago, I began visiting a few artists at the Arizona Fine Art Expo in north Scottsdale. I was encouraged by them to apply and show my art. (Okay, I was pushed and prodded because I didn’t have much confidence in myself or my art.) Hesitantly, I applied and (wonder of wonders), I was accepted into the show. There are SO many amazing artists at this venue who freely share their knowledge and expertise with me. The interaction with these remarkable artists and the public have helped me to become a better artist … learning new techniques, expanding my knowledge of marketing and social media and “seeing” the world differently. The creative energy within that tent is amazing and I feel fully alive and free while I’m there painting each day, sharing ideas and interacting with our guests.

Website: www.RoxaniArt.com

Instagram: Instagram@Roxani_Art

Facebook: Facebook/RoxaniArt