Getting to know our Artists

Getting to know our artists

This week I would like to start a series presenting the biographies of the contributing artists at Seranya Studios Art Boutique (www.Seranyastudios.com). Founded by out "fearless" leader, Susan Radke, we have become a co-op of varied artists and personalities. Sometimes, getting to know the artist is part of the whole art experience. When you purchase a piece of art you are buying a part of that artist's essence which he or she contributed to the beautiful work of art.

Our series begins today with one of the finest watercolorists, Richard Conrad Rooker. In his own words, and included in the bio are images of two of the wonderful paintings Richard has done, and of the awesome studio at home where he can capture the fine works from his head, heart and hands unto the paper. I told him I would love to have that studio--

Richard's bio states "My art education came from the art books my father would bring home for me when returning from work in New York City. It came from spending years at the Art Institute in Chicago standing in awe of all the great artists, wishing I could paint like that. It has come from lesson after lesson from instructional DVDs. But probably the greatest educator was simply practice, practice,practice.

Having been accepted at the Art Institute of Chicago, at the last minute I decided to enter the school of Architectural Design at the Univ. of IL, Chicago Circle Campus. After graduation and a tour of Vietnam, (and thanks for your service Richard--my words, not his)I was destined for a career in engineering. My art was to be a time for my private world away from the harshness of life. After retiring in 2011, I decided to apply myself to my watercolor and art work with greater dedication, and have been rewarded beyond my hopes and wishes.

Recently, I came to realize that painting doesn't have to look like something, but rather it needs to feel like something, and to that end I am endeavoring to relax my style and techniques, having the courage to let the medium do its will rather than hold it in confine.

When I was encouraged to join Seranya, I was tentative in the respect that I was not sure of the validity of my art. After passing the "Susan test", and a very successful reception in November, I knew then I had started on a new journey. I knew I could not afford to have my own art studio and all the benefits that come with it, so the chance to be part of Seranya opened up opportunities I would never have had otherwise. We all have hearts the size of Montana and personal drive with the power of Hoover Dam. As artists, this is just how it is.

I am also a member of Fine Arts America,(www.fineartsamerica).

All together we have a terrific venue here at Seranya. There isn't a person that has visited us that hasn't left with glowing comments about the studio.

I invite you to share this experience--to see--to feel the essence of Richard's works of art, stop in at Seranya Studios Art Boutique at 307 E. Mill Street, Plymouth, WI.

Next week we will learn a little more about another one of the contributing artists.

Stay tuned.