Known as a “portrait artist of objects,” Western still life painter Andrew Roda will open a new exhibition at the King Galleries on Main Street in Old Town Scottsdale, January 23, 7-9 pm.
Before the exhibition opening at King Galleries, Roda will give a presentation about his work at Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West from 6 to 7 pm January 23. Fitting, as Roda has been filled with spirit of the West since childhood.
“The Western spirit imbued in me has always been a subject of my paintings,” says Roda. “In my work, I want to immortalize the personalities of weathered boots, dusty saddles, vintage revolvers, and even a classic car.
Appearing in Roda’s work, these objects bring a personality and life to the canvas, a life that shines under Roda’s detailed and photographic approach to the work. And his ability to do this is what has given him the moniker “portrait artist of objects.”
“These subjects also represent a nostalgic homage to a bygone era,” says Roda. “As well as an admiration of the rugged individualism, unyielding determination and unwavering sense of freedom captured on canvas.”
Roda’s still life paintings are considered traditional in medium, but he pushes the details and compositions of the work to give them more of a contemporary feel.