Artist Spotlight: Rocky Frost

Ana Uluave May 17 2024

Rocky Frost is a painter based in La Jolla, California. He was born in Chichijima, Bonin Islands, of which his father was the naval commander. “I grew up in Pacific Beach and studied art and received a bachelor's degree in music performance from San Diego State University. One of my other passions was customizing and restoring vehicles and I built a shop with my dad, while attending high school. After 47 years of successful ownership, I closed it and retired 2 years ago. I have been married for 41 years and live in La Jolla. We have a 37 year old son and a 5 month old grandson. Art has always been a part of my life since I was very young. Now, I have much more time to create.” His website, www.rockyfrostart.com, showcases his portfolio, background, and commission pieces.

I have always tried to convey to people, young and old, to find and follow their passion. Once that’s done, the more they do it, the better and more passionate they get.

Rocky Frost

Since he could pick up a paint brush, Rocky’s artistic abilities came naturally to him. “Like many things, creating art came fairly easy to me. Drawing and painting was almost second nature. This inspired me to challenge myself with more difficult pieces, concentrating on details.” He enjoys combining his passions of art and fishing to create his artwork. “Since most of my current paintings are of fish, I get to fish more for my subjects. I tell people that I have been fishing since I was in my mom’s womb. She was born on Kauai and raised on the big island. Being Hawaiian/Chinese, she enjoyed fishing with my dad and did so on the island that I was born on. Now, as an artist, it’s required that I fish and then paint. It’s really the best of both worlds for me!”

In his collection, Rocky’s favorite piece is “Ala Carte r” pictured below. “...it was the piece that I learned my current style. The style and process was taught to me by a professor at SDSU, who is one of my favorite living artists. He’s in Santa Fe, NM continuing his paintings of rockscapes.”

"Ala Carte r" by Rocky Frost pictured above.

Rocky has enjoyed finding inspiration in many subjects to create his artwork over the years. “Architecture, cars and local scenes have been subjects that I enjoy photographing and then using as reference for my oil paintings. Lately, fish have been almost all consuming, pun intended. All of the acrylic paintings of fish, beginning with the form of gyotaku, have been only fish that I have caught to feed myself, family and friends. So, when I’m not painting, I am fishing for more food and subjects for more paintings.”

When beginning a new project or piece, Rocky finds inspiration from the ocean and his family. “As an Aquarian and waterman, I have always been inspired by the ocean. Everything that it encompasses intrigues and inspires me. My wife and son also inspire and encourage me. Fishing has been a part of me and kayak fishing with my son has been truly a blessing. He is the one who suggested gyotaku to me and even gifted me the paper and ink to get started. I am very grateful.”

"5th Avenue" (left) and "3 Left Terns" (right) by Rocky Frost pictured above.

To aspiring artists, Rocky encourages following one’s passion. “I have always tried to convey to people, young and old, to find and follow their passion. Once that’s done, the more they do it, the better and more passionate they get.” Rocky found Golden State Art online when searching for picture frames to display his artwork. “I stumbled upon the website searching for the best quality frames at a good value. As soon as I found it, I immediately ordered 25 aluminum and glass frames. The frames have added a professional touch to my artwork and increased the value."

Below is Rocky pictured with one of his commision pieces. Contact him to inquire!