Welcome to “Get Inspired”. A series of interviews with our Studio Class instructors.
For this month, we’ll be talking to Rolando Rodriguez. He’s our resident Drawing and Painting teacher here at the Tampa Museum of art—If you need any help with 2D mediums, he’s your guy!
So, if you’re looking to get inspiration from a local artist, read on!
TMA: Hi Rolando! Thanks for taking some time to chat with us today. For starters, how about you tell us what sparked your interest in art?
Rolando: Growing up, I didn’t have parents that visited art galleries or museums. I knew nothing about the mindboggling achievements of the greatest artists. It was all the more shocking to see, on a huge screen, the works of genius artists at the age of 18 in my first art history class.
Eventually as I delved deeper into art, it became clear that I needed to change my major from pre-law to Art History. I thought about becoming a fine arts major, but at the time, modern, or abstract art had overwhelming dominance. It was what everyone was studying and teaching. I was interested in figurative art. The kind that had a magical, gracefulness, and a concern with beauty. I studied in depth the ancient Greeks, the Italian High Renaissance, the Dutch school, and the French academic school. I was trying to learn as directly as possible from the old masters.
TMA: That’s great! And with all of that studying, how did you find the Tampa Museum of Art?
Rolando: Actually, I didn’t find the Tampa Museum, the Tampa Museum found me. There were a group of teenaged students that requested a classically trained artist, I received a call to teach them. I taught two classes, then the third was interrupted by the covid epidemic.
TMA: Can you tell us a little more about what other projects you’re working on?
Rolando: I’m currently working on a large oil painting depicting figures in a festive setting. I’m striving for a harmonious and pleasing arrangement of figures in movement. There is a philosophical aspect to this painting as well, since it will eventually feature a puppet cutting its own puppet strings.
TMA: With all of your projects and classes all focusing on difference aspects of 2D medium, what do you think is the difference between drawing and painting? But also, how are they similar?
Rolando: The differences between drawing and painting goes beyond color. Drawing has to be regarded as a different medium, but as respected as painting. Masterpieces can be created with both. Drawing is usually the first foundation to painting or sculpting.
TMA: That’s a great way to look at it! Do you have any other tips for people looking for inspiration or instruction in drawing and painting?
Rolando: My suggestions to those considering Art as a creative endeavor is to follow your passions. Whether it be portraiture, flowers, landscapes, etc. do what you want to do. After you’ve discovered your focus, so that you can avoid stagnation, don’t forget to occasionally experiment.
Be patient with yourself, it takes a little time to make that connection where beautiful and wonderful art are within reach.
TMA: Thank you so much for talking with us today, Rolando! For the readers out there, if you’re thinking about diving into the world of drawing and painting, or want to continue learning, consider taking a wonderful class with our wonderful teacher Rolando Rodriguez!