Today we’d like to introduce you to Rona Siskind.
Hi Rona, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a local artist, living in Silver Spring, Maryland. I work primarily in oil and charcoal, focusing on figures and portraits, cityscapes, still life, and plein air (landscapes painted outside). I began painting at a young age, studying at an art school in the New York suburbs. That’s where I developed a life-long passion for art, a strong foundation in oil painting, and my identity as an artist. However, soon after I entered college as an art major an instructor shattered my confidence, making me question my abilities and whether I could “make it” in art. I left art school and pursued other academic interests, and art gradually faded to the background. My desire to create never fully disappeared though nor did my artist identity. I longed to paint but struggled with how and where to begin. It was over a decade before I picked up a paint brush again, and for many years painted in fits and starts, with long gaps in between to focus on my career and family. It wasn’t until years later, that I began taking classes regularly. It filled me with such joy; I vowed I would never stop and I didn’t! Those weekly classes provided the structure and support I needed to help me maintain art as a regular part of my life.
As I approached my retirement from a long and fulfilling career in public health, I realized that I wanted more from my art. I began to engage more deeply with the local art community and sought out like-minded artists. I opened myself up to new artistic opportunities (different kinds of classes, workshops, exhibits) and pushed myself out of my comfort zone (applying to juried shows, using different mediums). As a result, I began to hone my skills and gain the confidence I needed to paint and exhibit more. I even began teaching, which is a new and thoroughly rewarding experience.
While I’m not yet fully retired, I now spend much of my time painting, taking art classes and workshops, and teaching the foundations of drawing and painting in my home studio.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path I’ve taken has had many twists and turns along the way, due to competing priorities and to some degree, my own self-doubt. It took years for me to recognize and value my artistic abilities and allow myself to commit the time and energy needed for growth. But, as I devoted more of myself to my art, I gained confidence in both the process and results and felt a sense of satisfaction. I often wonder what I would be doing today if I had remained in art school, but I am extremely content that this chapter of my life is focused on advancing my artistic abilities and expression.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My oil paintings and charcoal drawings are representational – realistic depictions of the people and places that intrigue me. I have received awards in multiple venues and have exhibited throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. I use a traditional approach, and while I strive for realistic accuracy, I also seek to evoke the energy and emotion of my subject. I am intrigued by the most basic of objects and places, and am frequently drawn to abandoned buildings, graffiti, and rusty old bridges that many would not consider picturesque. When I look at them though I see intriguing colors, and shapes that tell a story; that story makes them more visually appealing to me, and I want to bring that story to life. Plein air painting has its own challenges of rapidly changing light and the uncontrollability of nature, but there’s also the excitement and splendor of being in nature. While I sometimes paint without anyone in sight, there are often passersby who stop to chat and look. That adds something unique to the painting experience which in turn enhances the story the painting can tell. In my figurative work, I am captivated by simple gestures and movements, which become the foundation upon which I build the rest of the drawing or painting. Sometimes, it’s nothing more than the tilt of a head, the light catching someone’s hair, or the curve of a back. These little things draw me in and make me want to explore the figure or face more. I am grateful to be able to devote myself to my art, and to have the opportunity to continually learn and evolve as an artist. I’m especially thrilled when others appreciate my artwork and when my pieces find the perfect spot in a collector’s home.
Teaching has also become increasingly important to me. I emulate the many patient and supportive teachers that I’ve worked with over the years, and love sharing what I’ve learned. Some of my students have taken art classes before and like the nurturing environment of my home studio. Others are new to drawing or painting and are happy to learn foundational elements and explore their own creative style. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their progress and to help them incorporate art into their lives.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The Washington metro area is a wonderful place to live as an artist. With so many free museums as well as private museums and galleries, masterful artwork is extremely accessible. There’s also a vibrant network of arts organizations to support the many gifted and dedicated artists in the area. In recent years, I discovered and became a member of the Montgomery Art Association (MAA), which offers endless opportunities to exhibit in juried and non-juried shows throughout the region. Through the MAA I have been able to organize and curate art shows and have met many diverse and extraordinary artists. This community has been an invaluable resource and a source of friendship, encouragement, and inspiration, and has led to other opportunities as well. For example, through another artist, I was invited to jury a show at a senior living community. This was a genuinely special event that allowed me to meet many creative older adults and see how their life stories were reflected in their art. The experience also helped me articulate what I look for when viewing and judging art, which was valuable in and of itself.
The Washington metro area has an abundance of wonderful art schools from the Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery in Glen Echo, Maryland, where I have studied for years, to the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia, which I only recently discovered, to the Compass Art Center in Kensington, Maryland. And there are so many more. I am so fortunate to have studied with top-notch and nationally acclaimed artists and instructors.
Finally, this area is rich with inspiration – Washington DC is filled with remarkable architecture, gritty old neighborhoods, and numerous parks that provide a wonderful backdrop for plein air painting. For me, the only drawback of the area is that it’s a long flight to go visit my two adult children out west. But then again, I live equidistant from three airports so I really can’t complain!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ronaleesiskind.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ronaleesiskind
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ronasiskind
