Meet Alicia Rodriguez | Portrait Rock Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I had never thought a portrait artist would ever be something I would have labeled myself. I had never really had an interest in drawing before as I didn’t really see a future career in it. I was more focused on becoming something more realistic like a doctor or a lawyer. It wasn’t until my first request for a portrait came in and without giving it too much thought I took it on as I would any other request for a cartoon character or image someone wanted. To me, at the time, it was just another doodle. But it wasn’t until I saw the reaction I got when completing the order. It was so much more fulfilling and just an overwhelming sense of accomplishment that made me realize there is so much more to it then just drawing your typical characters. Just seeing how emotional someone would get when they see what I was able to create for them off of just a simple picture made me want to continue and learn more and see how far my artistic ability would go. It’s definitely more rewarding to me just to see someone so emotional off of one of my paintings than any paycheck I have ever received from any job on my resume. And its that there that keeps me doing what I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I paint my portraits it’s like I am meeting that person and learning so much about them. Pictures capture so much more than just someones face and painting them brings them to life. It’s like with each wrinkle or sparkle in their eyes I can see their journey through life as I paint them. And it’s those small details in every portrait that really brings out the persons personality and character. It was one thing to paint them and believe I did a good job but it was a complete different rewarding sense of satisfaction when I would deliver the portraits and see the responses I love receiving videos from everyone showing me the reactions they got when the intended recipient would finally get to open it. So much emotion comes with each piece. It’s that thrill like no other that I strive for when painting. My prices are low because it’s never been about the money for me when I paint. It’s the joy and love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh goodness some of my favorite places to go with friends are arcades. I love going with some of my softball teammates or anyone for that matter that don’t mind friendly competition to Pinstack where we can hit the arcade, wear ourselves out in lazer tag or bowl. The restaurant inside is also very good. It’s definitely one of my favorite places where you don’t need to go anywhere else! Also Medieval Times is truely a one of kind experience for someone that never gets old. Then of course another one of my favorite places to go that really brings out the kid in me is The Magic Time Machine restaurant where every visit is a new exciting experience. We are always excited to see which character will be serving us and they all do just an amazing job in personifying their fictional characters. And then of course I would definitely have to say Delta Charlies was an absolutely amazing experience, especially for someone visiting the DFW area. The restaurant where you can fill up with a delicious full course meal and then finish the night with a private scenic tour around Dallas in a plane. That was definitely a night I will never forget!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother Mary Stripling for introducing me to rock painting and encouraging me to get involved and the members of the facebook group Lufkin Texas Rock Hunt for all their requests and motivation they gave me

Instagram: Alicias_rockart

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Alicias-rockart-105884084452886/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/alimicrod1