I have known Forrest Rodts since I was 21. He is a great friend and VERY talented. We met through his sister who I worked with at Bain & Company, my first post-college job. At the time we met, I think Forrest worked in investment banking. Luckily for all of us, he followed his passion and started painting full time.
Forrest Rodts
Stars and Stripes
What is your training?
“Self taught.”
Inside Out
When did you start painting?
I started painting in college. I had always liked to draw, but started with paint freshman year, the fall of 1979. I graduated with a Economics degree and a minor in Studio Art. Pursued a career in Investment Banking, then Acting in New York, then started painting full time.
Sea Shelf
Why did you start painting / motivation?
I liked to draw and painting was the next possible progression, adding color to the creative process. I also realized I was more suited to painting than banking or acting, I had a knack for it.
What Lies Ahead
Where are some of your favorite place(s) to paint?
Anywhere there is water, but I especially love to paint on Nantucket. I’ve spent most of my summers on the island and it’s the place closest to my heart.
4th of July
What inspires you?
Light and the way it changes. Especially how it plays off water. Also memories, times from my past.
Shadow Crossing
Do you paint everyday?
No. My weekends are for my family. As much as I love to paint, it is my job and I treat it as such.
After the Rain
Who has influenced your work?
Andrew Wyeth has had the biggest influence on my work. I love the detail and the feel of his work. There is such emotion in his painting and I try to elicit that as well.
Assessing the Surf
Who is your favorite up and coming painter?
There is a young guy who lives in North Carolina who is a high school friend’s son who is really exceptional. He mainly paints fish and birds, but is unbelievably talented. His name is Ryan O’Sullivan.
Yacht Club Race Day
Fantasy place to paint?
I would love to retire to the islands and finish my career painting the light blue waters and palm trees of the Caribbean. Half the year in New England and half there.
Lit From Within
Dream accomplishment / project?
I would love to be widely know for being a great painter, beyond Nantucket and the people I know. Also, to have a painting that everyone recognizes as mine. It would be nice to just paint what I want and not to worry about sales at all too.
Window Shell
Go-to inspirational cocktail?
Either a Gin and Tonic or Mount Gay and Tonic. I’m a summer guy.
Favorite summer activity, besides painting?
I’m a beach person. My favorite thing to do is to be at the beach with friends and family.
Crossing At Great Point
Are you working on anything now?
I am always working on something. There is always something on the easel or an idea in my mind for the next work. Currently I am finishing work for a show on Nantucket on July 10th at Quidley and Company Gallery.
The artist!
Forrest has original works at Quidley and Company Gallery on Nantucket and Granary Gallery in West Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard. He can be reached directly through his website:
and his Facebook page:
and his Instagram account:
@forrestrodts
Some of Forrest’s paintings are available in print form (see on his Facebook page under “prints make great gifts”) and he will also do a commission painting if you are interested. Father’s Day is coming up! A painting or print of one of his great pieces would be a wonderful gift.
the wry home