Check Out Christopher Roche’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Roche.

Hi Christopher, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had art in my blood from a very young age. When I was ten, I had a sketchbook that I would draw in constantly. My interest in creating art continued through high school and to the College of San Mateo, where I was fortunate to meet an instructor and master artist in his own right Joe Price. The fire he lit in me led me to Southern California to study at California State University Long Beach. This was an eye-opener because there were so many talented people there that I was not sure I belonged or was good enough. It pretty much scared me to work harder than I ever had. I was lucky to have some terrific teachers there, in particular Dick Oden, who taught me a lot about how to use color. After college, I continued to work and show my work wherever I could and began developing my style and having some success selling my work. After several years of life intervened, I fell in love with my wife, Denise. We had my son Connor and moved to Arizona in 2000. During that time, I focused on being a husband and a father more than an artist, and I began teaching. I would still do art, just much more sporadically during this time. When my son Connor graduated from high school and studied at Arizona State University in 2013, I rededicated myself to my art career. Although I was still teaching, I was constantly creating new work in the studio. The more I put my work out there for others to see, the greater response I received. I began doing more shows and exhibitions, and things have just continued to take off. Now I feel comfortable with a pretty good clientele base that has continued to grow with each opportunity I get.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think being an artist is ever a smooth road. As I mentioned earlier, taking time off of art for my family and becoming a teacher were things I loved to do, but they sometimes put my art on the back burner. So, struggling to find that balance where my art could still flourish has been a big challenge. Creating art takes dedicated time in your life focused on just that. Never easy, but at this point in my life, that is where my energy and focus are and will remain.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would say that I specialize in large acrylic on canvas paintings with bold, powerful colors that are realistic. Although my work is realistic, it is nowhere near photo realism. It is pretty loosely handled overall. I want realism with the least amount of detail necessary. I am known for my sports paintings, particularly of Arizona State Football and some of their iconic moments and the players who made them happen. I am a big Sun Devil fan; that passion comes through in my work. I am also known for my continuing series of historic neon signs from Arizona and throughout the West. I love Americana and how neon represents that. Neon is a perfect subject for me, as I love vibrant color in my work, which is certainly necessary if you are painting neon. I also enjoy learning about the histories, people, and businesses that the signs represent. Neon is disappearing across the country. My paintings, in a small way, are helping preserve these amazing historic signs.

Alright, before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
Well, the easiest way to support me is to buy my art, so definitely visit christopherocheart.com and see if something grabs you. I also do a limited number of commission pieces each year, which is a good way to collaborate with me because the customer’s vision is foremost in my mind when completing those, and there is a lot of back and forth with the client during the entire process. I am in the middle of a commission piece for a client that features the Wild Horses of the Salt River in Mesa. It has been really fun to work with her on this project. I think it will lead to more paintings of these amazing horses. Also, if you are an artist, gallery, or business looking for artists to exhibit, I am always open to new opportunities and possibilities.

Pricing:

• Orignal Acrylic on Canvas paintings range from $1500 to $6000 depending on the size.
• I also have limited edition giclee prints on gallery wrapped canvas available which range from $400-$1500 range depending on size
• In addition I have mini prints that are 8″ x 10″ matted or framed from $39 – $79..

Contact Info:

• Website: christopherocheart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherocheart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015494341825

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