Our outing with Texas artist Chuck Roach
Happy Saturday, friends! Today I share with you our outing with Texas artist Chuck Roach.
Sometimes you just do not know what the day holds and surprises can await…such was a surprise on our outing with Texas artist Chuck Roach.
My daughter, Jess, has been finishing decorating her new home, and recently stopped by a frame shop to leave some family portraits to be framed.
This is where she officially met Texas artist Chuck Roach who was also a customer at the shop.
He introduced himself and she saw samples of his Western art and portraits.
This is where he complimented her and said that if she agreed he wanted to paint a portrait of her…at no charge.
She was honored and wanted to go, so we headed out on a little road trip.
This was the beginning of our outing with Texas artist Chuck Roach.
OUR OUTING WITH TEXAS ARTIST CHUCK ROACH: THE STUDIO
So, to meet Texas artist Chuck Roach, we headed out on a short road trip to nearby Merkel, Texas….population a little over 2,000.
Though very small, there is something charming about Merkel that I really enjoyed.
And you see the work of Chuck Roast in Merkel…even on the sides of buildings.
He did not become a full time artist until he retired from teaching high school.
But now, you discover Texas artist Chuck Roach and his work in a captivating renovated vintage building in Merkel.
His art and photography studio is so cool…I loved the space.
OUR OUTING WITH TEXAS ARTIST CHUCK ROACH: THE ARTIST
Dressed in typical Texas attire, Chuck Roach met us at the door and along with his wife’s long-haired daschhound, Zelda, invited us in.
Zelda was named after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda.
Chuck has also helped his wife to open a home decor/gift shop next to the studio.
We really wanted to go in, but it was closed when we were in town.
We saw fun pieces in the widow display.
He showed us around and explained some of his pieces.
Chuck also shared that though he does many Western artworks, that his real love is portraits.
He has a perfect little room for photography with exceptional light.
Jess is not a model and not comfortable as a model, so it took many poses and different hats until she relaxed and he found the shot he wanted to paint.
I enjoyed watching the process and helping her to find a pose where she was comfortable.
It Is easy to tell that Chuck Roach had a previous teaching career, because he taught us during our outing.
About cameras and light and what he looks for.
OUR OUTING WITH TEXAS ARTIST CHUCK ROACH: WHAT I WORE
For our outing to meet Texas artist Chuck Roach, I selected an outfit with a little artistic flair.
I still love wearing my Frank & Eileen BELFAST, Sweatshirt Peacoat in Irish Chocolate.
And wore it this day atop black jeans.
I paired it with a vintage Johnny Was blouse previously found in a consignment shop.
This Chico’s brooch was a perfect pairing with the blouse. It has been sold out for a while.
Both the blouse and the brooch have brown as an accent color.
OUR OUTING WITH TEXAS ARTIST CHUCK ROACH: THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
On either side of the front entrance to the studio, Chuck Roach had two large Christmas village displays..
I was completely inspired and found several ideas I could do next year with my own Christmas village.
I am so looking forward to seeing the portrait of my daughter when it is finished.
Here is a fun Texas Country Reporter profile done on Chuck a year ago…if you would like to know more….
Thank you for joining me today for our outing with Texas artist Chuck Roach.
I hope your holiday weekend is wonderful….I will be here tomorrow with Sunday Reflections!
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
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Your outfit is one of my favorites of all time on you! Beautiful colors and perfect fit. I will have to keep an eye out for a cute Johnny Was blouse.
Thank you so much, Lisa. I loved this blouse the minute I saw it in the consignment shop. This particular shop, Too Good To Be Threw, in San Antonio has a whole rack devoted to Johnny Was. I always sent time with it. I had the blouse and pin separately for along time before I realized they were meant for each other. It is a favorite of mine as well.
Thanks for letting us join you on your trip to the artist. I am really going to study the layout of the Christmas villages, I prepare a village for a client of our daughter each year and I am inspired by his display of each of them.
We will look forward to the final portrait of your daughter.
Wow!!! Multiple wows today! Chuck Roach’s works are so grounded and varied – a great mind at work with superlative talent. His studio and the town look amazing. Moving has already provided you with fulfilling, varied experiences – God does work in mysterious ways! Your daughter is lovely and it will be fun to see her portrait. Chuck Roach saw something special in her that sparked his creative mind. Does he make multiple editions of his work? I will explore his work further. I’d enjoy a possible follow-up on the portrait adventure. Great post, Pam! Happy New Year! <3
What a wonderful opportunity for your daughter. She is a nice looking woman. I am looking forward to seeing the finished picture.
It looks like you found another great find in your area.
Oh, that was fantastic! I love his style and can’t wait to see your daughter’s portrait.
the villages were incredible…I will be looking at them closer as well. Thanks Audrey!
Thanks Lou…when my daughter gives me a green light, I will share the portraits. His work is very interesting.
It has been fun to explore and discover new places. Thanks Paula.
I promise to share when I can…thanks Connie.
I loved the video of Chuck Roach, artist! My first husband was a brilliant landscape artist in oil. He taught me to paint while we were both in high school. He no longer paints but says he has an attic full of paintings. He has given some to our sons. Your daughter is a beautiful woman. I hope you will share her portrait with all of us. I imagine his paintings are very expensive. But one of your daughter would be worth the price.
I agree…it would be worth it…that is wonderful that your husband taught you to paint. I included the video because he is such an interesting man.
What a wonderful chance encounter and experience for your daughter. And it led to a great mother/daughter outing too! Your outfit looked especially nice and perfect for the occasion. I’m thinking after meeting you, the artist will be painting you as well.
Dear Pam: Thank you for this very interesting post. I agree your outfit was perfect. It epitomizes your style I think. Loved the video of Mr. Roach. He seems like a very contented man. Very happy new year.
Love that jacket, Pamela. What a lovely addition it has been to your closet.
I am thrilled for your daughter. It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be chosen by a renowned artist . He certainly sees her beauty, inside and out. I hope we are allowed to see the results!
You are so sweet, Deanna. I love that she has the spotlight on this one.
He is a great example of living a passionate life in retirement. Thanks Mary!
As soon as I know I can share it, I will.
What fascinating experience for you & you daughter! Chuck Roach’s art & Christmas villages are certainly wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome, Becky! He is a very inspirational man.
What an unexpected gift for Jess, and you, too! She is a beautiful young woman, and I look forward to seeing the results of this unique opportunity. That portrait will make a treasured family heirloom to be passed down. I have one of my maternal great grandmother, who died when my granddaddy was only three months old, so my mama and I never knew her. Thanks for sharing this Texas artist and his work with us. As others have already said, your outfit was on point. That pin and blouse were obviously twins separated at birth! All your style adjectives are shining through in this outfit, and you look fabulous in it.
Thank you! The portrait will be a treasure for our family.
Pamela, thanks for the promotion! Enjoyed meeting you! Jessica’s portrait is almost finished.
Looking forward to seeing it, Chuck and loved our visit to Merkel!