Meet Cindy Podeschi | Artist

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

Hi Cindy, how do you think about risk?
When I think about risk taking, I approach it in two ways.

The first way is to limit the amount of risk by learning as much as I can before making a big decision.

The second way is to list the Pro’s and Con’s. I think this is very helpful…the Pro’s have to surpass the Con’s before I jump.

Most importantly though, I never want to approach life from a “fear” base.

Sometimes, especially when it comes to love, you just have to take a leap of faith!
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.
First and foremost, I am a lover of color.

This passion goes way back to my childhood, when I would spend hours doodling with coloring books and a large box of Crayola crayons.

I’ve had many creative jobs. In my 20’s I owned a clothing boutique, in my 30’s I devoted my time to being a mother, and in my 40’s worked as an Interior Designer. It was in my 50’s though, that I picked up a paint brush and never looked back.

When I start painting the hours melt away, and when I’m not painting, I crave it.

I work primarily with acrylic paints, inks, and mediums. My style is instinctive, textural, and fluid.

I love bright, fun colors, and lately I’ve added black & white paintings and neutral paintings too.

It took three years of painting full time before my art started to sell. One of the reasons is because I had to put my work out into the world. That was almost ten years ago.

I see how much I’ve grown as an artist and I look forward to learning so much more.

I hope my paintings will make you pause, remind you to go with the flow of life, and simply make you smile.

If my work achieves this, then I’m in my happy place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve lived in Roanoke, Virginia for almost 30 years now.

If you come to visit you won’t be disappointed. Roanoke is beautiful.

It sits in a valley and is completely surrounded by mountains.

Hop in my convertible and we’ll get on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Virginia to North Carolina, across 469 miles of tree-laden scenery this parkway is “America’s Favorite Drive”. With it’s gorgeous valleys, mountains galore and the famous Appalachian Trail.

Hiking is big in the Roanoke area. Dragon’s Tooth, Tinker Cliffs and the famed McAfee Knob just to name a few.

So bring your hiking boots when you come to visit my friend.

After our hike we’ll be thirsty.

Are you into craft beers? Roanoke has 7 breweries. Some of my favorites go to’s include: Big Lick Brewing Company, Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewery and Starr Hill Brewery.

Hungry? Some of my favorite casual eateries are Wildflower, Evie’s Bistro and Bakery & Local Roots.

Feeling fancy? Then let’s go to Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse, Alexander’s or Bloom…yummmmm!

Roanoke is also home to a huge fine art show presented by the Taubman Museum Of Art. This year it will be June 4-5 and this is it’s 64th year. Hosted on the streets of downtown, surrounding the Museum, this annual event has become one of Southwest Virginia’s most anticipated events. All works exhibited are for sale including original paintings, prints, watercolors, fine art photography, and sculpture.

One of the best things about Roanoke though, is the people. I’ve met so many good ones over the years.

I must have a big get together at my house so you can meet them all.

Good eats, good drinks, good people, and beautiful scenery… what more could one ask for!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to all the people who encouraged me throughout my life.

To my mom who bought me unlimited coloring books when I was a child.

I’ve had several art teachers along the way. Thank you for saying I had natural talent and to keep practicing and learning.

To my husband, Dan, and daughters, Haley & Hanna, who have always cheered me on and love my art.

Lastly, I must recommend the most inspiring book “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Gilbert defines creativity as the search for gifts that are within us, hidden from our view.

Our gifts are the talents, interests, and desires that make us.
Read this book and find…the magic is you babe.

Instagram: podeschi_paintings