The Artist Rochelle // Baraboo photographer

This is Rochelle, an artist, retired art teacher, and active community volunteer I know from around town. I have long found her grace and creativity so inspiring, and so I asked to take her portrait. She only asked “Why, exactly?” once, which made the whole process quite a bit easier.

We talked for longer spells than I took photos, which was a delightful way for a session to unfold. She talked about how, as a parent and a teacher, you wonder if the things you’ve taught the children in your life ever stuck. If the lessons you tried to impart to them will ever prove useful. If, when the time comes, they will remember what you wanted them to learn about art and about life. If they’ll remember you.

Well, I posted one preview photo from her session online, and within a few hours more than 200 of her admirers and former students had responded with a resounding yes. Yes, you made a difference in my life. Yes, your time with me and your life’s work mattered.

Such an amazing art teacher…

I have a special place in my heart for this woman…

My love of art and creative expression was fostered by her …

Beautiful! Always has been, always will be…

Awesome art teacher who truly inspired me with her kind soul and creativity…

Best art teacher ever…

Rochelle is a treasure…


It’s funny how we wait to say these things when we’re given the opportunity. I took these photos for myself, because I had been yearning for more personal projects. But the most wonderful part of it was seeing these comments from the people whose lives she has touched. It has inspired me to write a few letters to some teachers who have made a difference in my own life.