Portraitist Carolyn Robles says, “You can only express yourself well when you have mastered the language you are expressing yourself in.” She has a very distinct way of explaining her technique. “I look at a person’s face like a puzzle that I can piece together using mosaics of color.” This passion for portraiture began as a child when Robles’ mother, Deborah Sliker, attended Pima Community College to obtain her associate’s degree in applied design. “My mom would take me with her to various art classes. I remember drawing faces and being interested in how everyone looked different.” Robles’ primary media are chalk pastels and oil paints, but she also works in pencil, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic and clay. Regardless of the medium, the art process starts with a notebook. “I always begin by writing down notes on what I want to paint to help me organize my thoughts, and then I decide on chalk or oil paints, depending on the subject.” At the age of 16, the native Tucsonan sold her first portrait painting to a coworker. “A colleague wanted a portrait for her in-laws’ 50th wedding anniversary,” she recalls. “I remember being stressed out because I was worried about the client’s reaction, but when I showed it to her, she started crying because she loved it so much. That was the moment I thought, well, maybe I can do this.” That confidence led Robles to attend Northern Arizona University and receive a bachelor’s in studio art in 2000. That same year, she left the desert for a 13-year adventure, traveling to Spain, France and Belgium, along with several years in Southern California, before heading back to the Old Pueblo. “Living in Europe and studying the art in museums, cathedrals and little churches changed my life,” she says. “I would go to museums and see possibilities that I never knew existed.” Along with creating art, she enjoys teaching. After receiving a master’s in painting from Laguna College of Art & Design in 2010, Robles taught classes at the college and, later, began offering private lessons. “I enjoy learning about my students and trying to help them achieve a style of art that best expresses their gifts,” she says.“The magic of teaching is understanding that everyone thinks and learns differently, and the best thing I can do is nurture each student’s individuality.” Since moving back to Tucson, Robles has been teaching art classes at Canyon Ranch, including courses on watercolors, drawing, acrylics and clay. “I find joy in teaching the different media and I think experimentation is important.” Another joy for Robles is spending time with her rescue dog — a shy Tibetan terrier-Lhasa Apso mix named Chufa. “He acts more like a cat than a dog and is on the antisocial side, but he is the sweetest thing.” Robles’ art is continually changing. “I’m not a risk-taker, but I’m trying to get to the ‘authentic me,’ and I think sometimes you have to experiment and let go in order to achieve that.” Expressing a universal idea also is important to her. “I want to encourage people to share in the experience of my art, to have a conversation with my art, instead of my having a monologue.” HG For commissioned portrait work or private lessons contact: carrie.robles@gmail.com or visit:http://www.carolynrobles.com/