Meet Ronda Rogers: An Artist’s Journey of Faith, Healing, and Creativity

Litte Ronda in Buffalo, dreaming big.

Introduction: My Journey Begins 

Hi, I’m Ronda Rogers. Honestly? I never really thought I’d become an artist. Not in a million years. Growing up in a small town near Buffalo, NY, my childhood—well, it was a little complicated. There was family stuff I don’t like to dwell on, honestly. Abandonment, some household struggles… that kind of thing. I always felt like I was searching for something, even then. 

A new chapter, filled with love and support.

When I was 17, I joined the Army, mostly because I think I was trying to find a purpose, or maybe just get away. It was never my plan for my future and I joined totally on a whim. A recruiter called one day for my brother - we are Irish twins- but he wasn’t home. Before I realized what I was saying, it had told the recruiter that I was interested. It definitely changed a lot for me—shaped who I am today, for sure. After a tough first marriage, I eventually found my soulmate. I know it sounds cliche but meeting him was truly transformative—a relationship built on encouragement, love, and support. All the things that I can say I never truly had, even in my childhood. He’s been my biggest fan in everything I do and has encouraged me all along my painting journey, which I never imagined doing until my 40s. 

We have been married 23 years and have two children and three precious grandbabies. With him I have found the life I have always dreamed of and couldn’t be more blessed. He was truly a gift from God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

My First Painting: The Ombré Experiment 

It all started with a push from a friend of mine. She insisted that I should try painting and I resisted because I thought you had to know how to draw. (You don’t by the way!) She bought me paints and canvas for my birthday one year which sat in my closet for 6 months before she convinced me to give it a try. I had no idea what I was going to paint, but I decided I wanted to try creating an ombré effect. Honestly, I just winged it—had no plan or idea how to approach it. I layered colors, blended as I went, and when I finally stepped back, it looked… somewhat like a sunrise or a sunset—depending on how you looked at it. It wasn’t too bad for a first try, and what I took away from that was huge: sometimes, you just need to jump in without overthinking everything. That first piece taught me that I was capable of more than I thought. 

The Monster Portrait

My Artistic Style and Mission 

As I have found my voice and artistic style I am drawn to creating abstract realism—something that’s a little offbeat but still rooted in reality. It’s like capturing emotion, movement, and stories—whatever I’m feeling at the moment. This style allows me to start a painting with no plan what so ever and just let it guide me where it wants to go. I am loving bold colors and textures with bold brush strokes that create movement and energy in my painting. Incorporating collage allows me to create unexpected moments in my paintings

Achievements and Connecting with Others 

My work has been displayed in multiple exhibitions, and I’ve been honored to receive a few awards along the way. Honestly, I still feel a bit awkward talking about accolades, but I realize that recognition helps open doors and inspire more people. What truly matters to me, though, is that my art reaches hearts—whether it's a piece that makes someone feel seen, loved, or simply gives them a moment of peace. 

I offer original paintings and take commissions—something I genuinely enjoy, especially when someone comes with a story or message they want to tell through art. And I’m excited to share that prints will be coming soon, making my work accessible to even more people. 

If you'd like to see my latest work or connect with me, I encourage you to follow me on Instagram @rondarogersart or visit my website http://www.rondarogersart.com. I’d love to hear your story or collaborate on something meaningful. 

Beliefs and Future Goals 

I’m a born-again Christian, and I genuinely believe that Jesus’s love comes through in my work. I don’t just want to make pretty pictures for the wall—I want to share light, hope, and healing. I believe art can be transformative and, in some ways, a form of prayer or reflection. 

Plus, I really believe in the fact that we’re all created equal—regardless of race, background, or socio-economic status. I truly think art is a powerful tool to remind us of that truth. To show that, no matter where we come from, we are cherished and loved. 

Sunrise or Sunset??? Depends on how you look at it.

It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect

I never dreamed that I would paint portraits. They just seemed so intimidating, so precise, so everything I thought I wasn’t good at.  That was until I had to do the “Monster Portrait.” It was part of an assignment I had at Milan Art Institute, and honestly, it felt like a monster—and not just because of the title. This was actually my third attempt at a portrait. But I was determined to tackle it. I remember working on this piece late into the night, feeling frustrated, questioning if I could even pull it off. It was a journey of patience and persistence—something I think a lot of us relate to, especially when facing new challenges. When I finally finished it, I felt an incredible sense of pride. Not necessarily because it was perfect, but because I had pushed through my doubts and completed something I’d once considered impossible. 

 Looking back now, I realize how much my skills have grown. Today, I love doing portraits—they’ve become one of my favorite expressions. I owe a lot of that progress to that very first “monster” I created, which taught me to embrace the process and to keep going even when it’s hard. 

“Embrace the Storm”

Closing Thoughts: Let's Connect 

Art is a journey—full of surprises, messes, and moments of unexpected beauty. I genuinely believe that we’re all created with purpose and worth, just as we are. If my story has resonated with you or if you’re inspired to start your own creative journey, I invite you to reach out. Whether it's to discuss a commission, ask questions, or simply say hello—your story matters, and I’d love to hear it. 

 Together, let’s create, connect, and share hope through the gift of art.