When Gladys Roldan-de-Moras’ husband Rafael couldn’t attend the 2015 Qwest for the West Show with her, she invited her sister to join her. It was Roldan-de-Moras’ first showing at the prestigious event at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, Indiana, and she was in awe of the other artists and their work. At the awards ceremony, she leaned over to her sister and said she could never get up on stage to accept an award and then have to say a few words to the crowd.

Turning back toward the presentation, Roldan-de-Moras was shocked to see a reproduction of her painting, Devotion, San Jose, on the screen and to hear her name announced as one of two winners of the Artists’ Choice Award. (She had tied with Michael Dudash for the honor.) What makes this award so special is that it is voted on by all of the artists in the show. “I was the rookie in the show and a female,” she says. “It was just mind boggling; I could not believe it. I was grateful and humbled by it.”

Gladys Roldan-de-Moras

Devotion
Oil
48″x48″
“This painting is about the south-central Texas sport of the escaramuzas and the beautiful San Jose Mission of San Antonio. The escaramuza culture is rich in history, devotion, and faith. The preparation ritual of the brave side saddle competitors always includes a moment of fervent praying. I found it inspiring to place these striking women in front of a time-honored San Antonio landmark, as I capture a moment of devout prayer.”

Gladys Roldan-de-Moras

Last Song
Oil
36″x48″
“This painting portrays a delicate, intimate moment, as a young lady is getting dressed. The focus is on the beautiful folds on her dress and how the reflective lights play in these folds.”