Rolinda Stotts

Rolinda Stotts’ life experiences are a big part of why she picks up the brush. However, it’s the emotions her subjects provoke that really inspires her. When she’s creating her landscapes or still-lifes, she doesn’t seek to capture nature as-is. Rather, she wants the viewer to get a sense of what the imagery means to her.

Read Rolinda’s artist’s statement below, watch videos about her stunning and multi-faceted process, learn about how to commission a unique Stotts painting, and browse our collection of her unique works available for purchase online and in-person at our South Lake Tahoe gallery.

Learn About Rolinda Stotts & the “Bella Rotta” Process

In her unique Bella Rotta technique (“beautiful broken” in Italian), she developed a 10-step process that makes her oil paintings evoke ancient frescos and classical art styles, playing with textures and tactile layers to create dynamic movement throughout each piece. This process includes creating her own canvas, painting using oils and a bold palette knife, and manipulating the artwork — indeed breaking it — to lend an endearing imperfection to the piece. She likes for people to experience this imperfection not just by sight, but by touch and feel, almost as if you found a way to break off a piece of an ancient mural somewhere in Italy and hang it on your wall.

Black and white photo of artist Rolinda Stotts. Shop her fine artwork at Marcus Ashley Gallery.

About Rolinda Stotts

I grew up on a dairy farm working with animals and earth, growing crops and building fences, learning to nurture life and respect nature. This is where my life as an artist began. The lessons of balance and harmony that I learned on the farm are invaluable in expressing my feelings and experiences on canvas.

Some of my subject matter comes from early childhood experiences on the farm, but still more comes from my life with my children. I love seeing the world simplified through their eyes. My paintings are more of an essence of nature, not a literal representation of it. It’s the emotion that a stand of aspen stirs inside me that I’m trying to capture. You will notice lots of familial references in the titles of my paintings like “Three Sisters,” “Protecting the Little One,” and “Family of Five;” this is no accident.

My family also led me to another love, Italy. The first time my husband took me there, I felt an immediate connection. Undeniably, I was home. Rich colors and wonderful history overtook me as I absorbed the culture. I experienced Italy with Italians, and was able to embrace my heritage in a remarkable way. I strive to convey this sense of history with my paintings. I want viewers to experience the same enchantment I feel when coming upon a worn and broken, but beautiful old wall.

In order to get the effect of extreme age and texture, I use a ten-step process that allows me to manipulate my work to give it the essence that it has survived centuries. I start by making my own canvas. When the canvas has been properly prepared, I am ready to paint using only oils. Once the painting has dried, I literally break the painting with my hands. Then, I adhere the painting to a self-constructed wooden frame and shape edges to give a torn look. I want the image to look like you found this amazing wall in Italy and found a way to bring a piece of it home.

I will continue adding more oil paint either in very thin applications or with a bold palette knife. The cracks are real; it is not a “crackle finish” and I encourage people to touch and feel the work. Most people are drawn to the tactile nature of the painting and I want to engage the sense of touch. I want there to be an element of imperfection in my work. To have things be imperfect gives a little grace and a sense of freedom. Only through this freedom can we attain a sense of calm. I want to feel that calm myself, that’s why I paint.

In the end, I feel truly blessed to be able to express my experiences and share the intense emotion that is involved in creating.

Photo & Video Gallery

Questions Answered

Rolinda Stotts uses acrylic paints on board and then intentionally cracks her work. This creates her signature “Bella Rotta” style.

It depends on the size of the piece! Sometimes Rolinda wakes up in the morning, finds a bit of inspiration in the vast nature around her home in Tennessee, and begins to create more rapidly. Sometimes, Rolinda will work collaboratively with clients and take the process slow to ensure that the “Co-Creation” is everything the client dreams of.

Rolinda is a master of appreciating the little things. Stotts takes walks most mornings and gets her inspiration from the nature around her. Her Bella Rotta Collection is inspired by the palms of our hands and the lines that create us. The subjects of her work vary, but the majority come from everyday nature, as well as Italian culture. Rolinda Stotts loves to take special places from a collectors life and “Co-Create” a piece with them so they can keep that space in their home forever.

 Yes! Rolinda has a program called co-creations and she has an incredible and interactive commission process that leaves clients with  incredible memories and a legacy. 

Originals

There’s a charming paradox to many of Rolinda Stotts’ paintings, in that you’ll find them torn at the edges, often deliberately broken in pieces, and yet titled in utopian fashion such as “A Little Slice of Bliss” or “Top of the World.” Stotts finds perfection in imperfection, an enduring theme throughout her work.

Sold Originals / Commission Ideas

Seeking a unique way to acquire a Rolinda Stotts painting? Consider a commission! In what she calls co-creations, we can help you collaborate with her in an interactive commission process. At Marcus Ashley Gallery, we specialize in offering one-of-a-kind commission pieces by many of our artists. We help facilitate a smooth process where we help you determine the size, theme, placement of the theme, artwork orientation (vertical vs. horizontal), and more, working with Rolinda on your co-creation, all designed specifically for you. Get in touch with us to learn more and get started!

Books

Rolinda Stotts’ “Orchid Stories” is a collection of visual narratives that express hope and love. These are the themes she was inspired by when she created the book in tribute to a dear friend. The emotion she captures through the beautiful imagery in this book is bound to inspire you too, and anyone you choose to gift it to.

We’re proud to host an extensive collection of Stotts’ work at Marcus Ashley Gallery. If the themes inherent in her paintings inspire you as well, our art consultants are happy to talk about it with you. They’ll lend you deeper insights into her technique and vision. Explore all the services we provide here to give you the best possible experience of buying a piece of art. These include custom framing, local home previews, virtual art consults, private art shows, attractive financing options, and more! Keep a tab on our events schedule for a chance to meet Rolinda Stotts in person when she visits our gallery at Lake Tahoe.

All your purchases with Marcus Ashley Gallery are fully insured while they’re being shipped to you. If you live in the continental U.S., the shipping costs are included in the price as well.