Meet Robin Maria Pedrero in Frisco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Maria Pedrero.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Robin Maria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
On a breezy summer day as a child I sat under the trees in our yard drawing on a giant chalkboard. This is my earliest memory of knowing I am an artist. Watching Bob Ross, I drew what he taught with oil pastels. Studying under professional artists with a major influence from Robert Brackman, colorists and impressionists, I began to oil paint as a teen. I was the first student in my high school to achieve recognition in NYC for a Scholastic Art Award. At age 15, I exhibited at the Mystic Museum of Art in Connecticut and began selling my art in gift shops. After some college, I married and had children. The following list is mentioned for two reasons, one to give encouragement to artists who are working day jobs and secondly because many of these jobs gave me skills to use in my art career. Numerous day jobs throughout the years include; color separations for wall paper, retail, store security, cook at a gourmet restaurant, was a heat sealer and sales person for Light Dome artist tents, sales jobs, telemarketer, waitress, receptionist at hair salons, photographer, art center exhibitions and events coordinator, county arts administrator, president of arts organizations, and curator. Most surprising to others is that I became a marksman and an armed guard at a nuclear plant. Although the day jobs changed I maintained a studio all the while creating, exhibiting and selling art. A pivotal point transitioning to a full-time artist came from my supportive husband’s wise words when he said, “If you would just do what you are doing for all these other people you would be very successful.”

With such an early beginning as an artist my collectors have been able to acquire works in several series and mediums. Interestingly my choice to change art mediums were often precipitated via a need; for instance, my two-year-old painted in oil on a piece I was working on, one of the reasons I switched to working in soft pastels while raising young kids. Soft pastels are such an immediate medium, no brushes to clean and easy to stop and go with family needs. During this phase I became a portrait artist. Working as a receptionist at a hair salon not only taught me more about drawing hair but I had a steady stream of portrait customers. One subject I always go back to is nature, finding deep inspiration. Because of my series of skyscapes, I was nicknamed the “SkyLady” as a live painter at Café Tu Tu Tangos. I exhibited frequently in galleries, juried shows and won awards. My soft pastels earned the Pastel Society of America’s signature status. Although I enjoy working with soft pastels, the cost of doing business due to reframing was adding up. Therefore, I tried my hand at acrylics which did not need to be framed.

After experimenting I came to really enjoy the flexibility and expressive capabilities with acrylics. I found myself painting in a whole new way, freeing myself from the rules I’d been taught, and exploring my new style. I took what caught my eyes and heart personifying nature, evoking a range of moods with a touch of whimsy. I use a symbolic visual language exploring both the visible and invisible creating a commentary on relationships and thoughts. As I work the images can be unexpected flowing from gathered memories. Music plays a role in my process and seeps into my art. I build layers making connections and a story comes forth and unfolds. The work evolves, and quite often by the time the painting is finished it has a history of stories interwoven in the layers.

As an award- winning artist my work is in permanent collections of a museum, hospitals, and library, as well as in film. My artwork has been acquired by collectors worldwide in Great Britain, Bahrain, Italy, Spain, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and all but two states in America. Highlighting a few accolades, I was awarded Best Artist in Florida 2012 by Baterby’s Art Auction Gallery, listed in Florida International Magazine’s Florida Artists Hall of Fame, and my work was featured on an Artiste wine label after I won their international contest. I am a licensed and published artist with SunDance Graphics. I create artwork for home décor and apparel. One of my goals came true when I celebrated my first solo museum exhibit at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art in 2015. Most recently I’ve returned to working in oils. I’m creating large expressionistic, abstract landscapes and nonobjective works of art. I’m building a body of work for a show that hopefully will be exhibited in Dallas.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Moving has had its challenges over the years. It was hard to immerse myself fully in my art business not being able to create large works and enter shows especially while moving twice in one year, even though the second move was a few miles away in Texas! I continued to work with my galleries and collectors at a slower pace. As a fine artist who also designs for home décor, clothing and accessories there is a need for space to accommodate my inventory, supplies, and business. Moving requires time researching local sources, venues and business opportunities that are of high quality and serve my best business practices. Now that we are settled in our new home and my studio is all set up I do aim to seek local public venues and gallery representation in the DFW area.

Robin Maria Pedrero – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a full-time professional artist who creates visual art. My artwork focuses on the spirit and energy of nature. I draw and paint in rhythmic layers of color often inspired by travel, music, scripture and written word. Art collectors can purchase originals directly from me or from galleries exhibiting my work. I also create art that is printed on apparel, home décor and accessories. Wearable art like scarves, wraps, and shirts enable my customers to have conversation pieces in their wardrobe. The pillows, shower curtains, and home décor are a great way to add color, interest and change a space.

I’m known for my expertise with color, the way I layer color to achieve the desired effects. I have often been told my art brings joy and a sense of serenity. With prayer being part of my process while creating I like to think that resonates in my work. I create work in series, subject-themed such as coffee and tea, crows, poppies, hummingbirds, dragonflies, dresses, pears, cows, longhorns, beaches, bluebonnets, and lifeguard stations. I create stories within the art, allegories, using birds, deer, foxes, rabbits, snails, wolves, flowers and trees. Collectors and fans who have experienced my work look for hints of hidden imagery and symbolism within my art.

My collectors embrace the variety of series I create. As Mr. Rogers said there’s something special about that sacred space between the art and the viewer. With a yearning desire to pull from my travels and create large works of abstracted landscapes I’m developing a fresh new body of work. I think that’s what sets me apart, I’m always pushing myself forward, shifting, developing my next body of work.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Although my winning awards and accolades have brought a perceived value of accomplishment, it’s the engaging response from my collectors that I value the most. They share that my art makes a difference in their lives. Making a difference, now that’s success.

Contact Info:

• Address: 3245 MAIN ST. #235-530
  FRISCO, TX 75034
• Website: https://www.robinmariapedrero.com
• Phone: 214-494-9712
• Email: robin@robinmariapedrero.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinpedrero
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinMariaPedrero
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinpedrero
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/robin_pedrero/

Image Credit:
PJ Williams

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