We recently had the chance to connect with Geetha Rao and have shared our conversation below.
Geetha , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Last year I got more involved in my community, specifically the art community by volunteering and giving back.
I have been volunteering and supporting VALA (Visual Arts League of Allen) , which is an arts non profit in Allen and surrounding cities. I was briefly on their board as secretary and now am a regular volunteer.
I really enjoy helping to support this group, finding like minded individuals as well as supporting them in their mission of helping artists find a space to exhibit, as well as form connections with each other.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an artist that specializes in colorful paintings especially landscapes, trees and seascapes.
I mostly paint in oils or mixed media and use the palette knife technique which results in a highly textured surface with thick layers of paint. The technique I use is time consuming because I have to wait for each layer to dry before adding the next layer.
My work is inspired by my travels, my love for nature and wildlife and my walks around my community in Plano.
I have been exhibiting around the North Texas area. In 2025, I had the honor to exhibit at various locations including “The Small Works Show” at Blue House Too at Watters Creek in Allen and at The Cotton Mill in McKinney.
You can follow me @raoart on Instagram as well as on Facebook.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
One of my earliest memories is as a child my first grade teacher presented me with a box of watercolors. It was a gift I treasured as the colors were brilliant and were unlike what I had used before.
I still remember her and wish I could thank her now.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I came to my art career later in life and so it was the fear that held me back. I wish I had allowed myself to move ahead with this option earlier.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I would like to build up my art business slowly but surely. I think Dallas has a lot of potential but people still are reluctant to spend on original works of art unlike on the eat or west coast.
I would like to move out of my circles of comfort and try to be more intentional in my work.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Art practice takes time to build up. Learning different techniques, marketing and going after opportunities is a full time job.
I am spending time learning different mediums as well as trying to perfect my style and that takes time. It also involves making inroads into the community which is sometimes difficult for an artist as we are mostly introverts.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: raoart
- Facebook: raoart
- Other: Threads – raoart
