Endless Creative Evolution

"Two constants in my life are the love of learning and painting. I love to learn new skills through workshops, classes, and from other artists. This constant pursuit of knowledge is the fuel that keeps my work fresh and continually evolving, much like the ever-changing American West.” Arizona artist Roxanne Bryan is known, is a testament to the power of continuous learning and evolution in art.

As a native of Arizona, Roxanne’s roots are much more profound; her great-grandparents were Chickasaw and Choctaw indigenous people from Oklahoma who migrated to Arizona in the early part of the last century. This rich heritage deeply influences her art, as she often incorporates elements of North American indigenous culture and nature in her paintings. Roxanne was born in Payson, Arizona; however, she recounts moving frequently throughout Arizona growing up. "I'm not sure if my traveling bug is hereditary or due to circumstances of my upbringing. Regardless, I have always loved to travel." When it comes to her personal creativity, Roxanne can’t remember a time when she wasn’t doing something creative. If she wasn’t coloring with her mother as a child, she was drawing, decorating her home and cakes, sewing for her children, working as a florist, and taking numerous art classes.

Inspiration for her art is never an issue. Roxanne attended Native American indigenous cultural celebrations and powwows and enjoyed any number of hunting and fishing escapades that took her deep into the wild. As Roxanne grew older, she participated in various art forms, one of which was photography, which she became reasonably competent in. Roxanne says, “I gained my classical training as an oil painter from the Milan Art Institute, where I was a student and apprentice to John and Elli Milan, international artists and teachers." Needless to say, when the Milan's planned their inaugural art trip to Greece, Roxanne, the travel lover, was the first in line with her bag packed.

Roxanne’s love for learning extended to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Education and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership with a library endorsement. In her early adult years, she went from teaching to assistant principal to librarian; she states, "All these roles led me to the world of art.” When she decided to focus on her art full-time, she buckled down, completing an intensive mastery program that condensed a traditional four-year art education program into one year. Roxanne felt she needed the classical techniques, modern and abstract methods, marketing, and career-launching skills to really get a toe hold as a professional artist.

As an artist, Roxanne believes that success isn't a destination but a journey from one goal to the next constantly improving on her skill set. "A measure of success would be a painting moving from my easel to someone's home or office where it is enjoyed. Beauty and the spirit of nature inspires me.” Roxanne finds the magic in a quirky animal, a colorful flower, and the light and shadows of a scene; all of it adds to her rich palette of color and fascinating compositional style. Interestingly, Roxanne has several paintings in various stages of completion on multiple easels in her studio. Each one has its own personality, qualities, and time it's complete, Roxanne simply follows the lead of the process.

Artist Roxanne Bryan is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and participates in the group's exhibits throughout the year. She is also a veteran of the Arizona Fine Art Expo, which takes place in Scottsdale, Arizona, for ten weeks between January and March each year. Her studio is located just southeast of the valley in the town of Queen Creek, Arizona.

Email: roxaniart@gmail.com

Website: www.roxaniart.com