"The purpose of my work is to allow the subconscious to create. I simply begin and allow the work to unfold. Only when the work is done will it tell me its story. I feel a part of me transferred into the painting; an emotion or moment of knowledge."

I have been painting for 28 years. It took nearly half of my life to pick up a pencil and draw a flower. But I fell in love with watercolors and sold my very first paintings right out of the framer's shop. That encouraged me and pushed me to continue.
I spent the next 10 years painting and selling at art shows and galleries throughout the northwest United States. In the late 1980's I started Sierra Artist's Association in Reno, NV. In the early 90's I opened up "Two Sisters Gallery" in Reno, NV. It was a working gallery where I had so many wonderful artists and teachers. We taught everything from paper making to advanced oil painting.
In 2003 I moved to Phoenix, AZ. I had started dabbling in oils before the move, but didn't get real serious until 2004. What a wonderful medium. I had done work in watercolor, pen and ink and graphite, but oil painting was entirely different and exciting. The very first painting I did was ‘Flames‘.  My work is now in private collections throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and China.
I am a self taught artist. I have always felt that it was cheating to use other artist's techniques. Correct or not I need to be authentic.
How does my art affect you? Does it make you smile or raise your blood pressure?  Does it make you happy or sad?  That is what painting is about for me. I love to pick out a canvas and just let it happen.  No preconceived ideas. I just put some color on the canvas and keep going. I can tell you the exact paint stroke that started "Red Mountains".  Many times when I've finished a painting, I find the real painting when I turn it upside down. That seems to reflect life, do not you think?
Have I won awards? Yes. Is it important? Maybe. It gives me a boost of confidence, kicks in my competitive side and it's always a compliment, but as an artist I would have to say no. The only thing that is important to me is painting, creating, working, escaping into that other realm and expressing me at that moment. To me it is my own theatre, where I can write my own plays and listen to the music that explodes from a finished piece.

The nine pods represent the 9 word Zen Prayer.  The roses grace the prayer with beauty and love.  The prayer floats on the eternal waters of life carrying peace and contentment to the world.

 Rose Podes                                                Oil on Canvas  30"x40"x1"