Brevard Mixed Media Artist April Rocco Pays Tribute to Historic Apollo 11 Launch Through Series of Paintings
By Jordan Rocco, Space Coast Daily // July 16, 2021
Apollo 11 Launched 52 years ago July 16
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – April Rocco, an accomplished Brevard County mixed-media artist in Cocoa Village, celebrated the 52 anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission through her newest series of paintings.
Living in Cocoa, Florida, about 20 minutes away from Kennedy Space Center, Rocco was inspired to pay homage to the momentous Apollo 11 launch that happened July 16-24, 1969.
Rocco is a second-generation native Floridian, who grew up in Daytona Beach and has always had a passion for drawing.
“My earliest memories are of painting and making crafts,” said Rocco.
“I found an interest in painting when I became a scenic painter for major theme park productions during the 1990s in Orlando,” said Rocco.
“Working as a scenic painter, alongside many talented people, allowed me to become the artist I am today. I learned the foundation of painting and gained experience by working on the sets of “Twister,” “Cat in the Hat,” and “Jurassic Park.”
After four years as a scenic painter in Orlando, Rocco moved to Brevard County and has developed a fierce passion for painting.
What makes Rocco’s art unique is that she prefers to paint on wood and different substrates, instead of just an ordinary canvas.
“I strive to make art that not only satisfies my customers but also myself,” said Rocco.
“I enjoy making mixed media art, using different materials for each painting. For instance, I use acrylic, watercolor and watercolored pencils in a painting.”
“I find there is no better joy in my life than waking up at 5 a.m.to paint,” said Rocco.
April Rocco’s paintings are available to be purchased at Ryan’s Pizza and Pub and Strawbridge Art Gallery. Her artwork can also be purchased from her Facebook page HERE.