Susan E. Roden

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"Portrait of Mary Maschal" by Susan E. Roden

Susan E. Roden is an American artist best known for her use of pastels. She is regarded for her vibrant colors as well as the mood and movement created by each piece. Roden’s journey to becoming an artist was not easy. In 1970, due to financial hardships, Roden had to put her art education in Ohio on hold. This break soon led to a myriad of job over the next eighteen years, including a professional middle eastern dancer. In 1989 she was finally able to return to her education, and soon after she obtained a degree in Visual Communications. Roden began working as an editorial graphic artist in Texas and New Mexico, while still maintaining a studio practice to further develop her use of pastels. Roden’s hard work soon paid off by being able to participate in over 110 juried and invitational shows. She received numerous awards including the New York’s Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Medal of Honor in 1994 and in 2002 a Merit Award at the Pastel Journal Third Annual Pastel 100 in New Mexico. Her work is also being featured in the Tirage Art Gallery in Pasadena, California and Patricia and Design in Albuquerque, New Mexico.1

I created Mary's portrait when I volunteered at the Museum and assisted with the exhibits, gift shop and some design work. Since it was such a great personal endeavor for Ms. Mary Maschal that I thought, as an artist, it would be fitting for a painted portrait on location. In fact, I was quite surprised there was not some kind of painting or photo of her on display since she had been so pivotal in creating the Museum. The sources I had to capture Ms. Mary's personality were only black and white photos taken at museum events. My style of execution is of extensive layering with no blending which results in a denotation of movement and life to the imagery. I thought that was quite fitting for such a Renaissance Woman with so much determination.”2

1 Susan E. Roden, (n.d.)

2 Susan E. Roden, personal email to the author (July 29, 2018)