RAUL RODRIGUEZ January 2, 1944 - February 18, 2015

Raul Rodriguez designs floats in the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade in Pasadena! raulrodriguez.com

If you asked Raul Rodriguez what he wanted to do when he grew up, his passion for art was evident at an early age. As a school kid he began spending time drawing, sketching, painting and creating. His artistic talents grew and at a young age, he became one of the best known and most sought out talents in the Tournament of Roses - Rose Parade, where corporate sponsors spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on floats.

Each year on January 1 the Tournament of Roses parade rolls along its 5.5 mile route, and is broadcast on TV stations worldwide, 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

When the whimsical, regal and colorful, scented floats made of flowers rolls into view, it's likely that you're seeing Raul Rodriguez "magic". The award-winning conceptual designer doesn't design all the floats, and there are many award-winning talents within the ranks who do similar work to Rodriguez, but this designer is a crowd favorite because of his community spirit and flamboyant lifestyle. He often rides on one of the floats in costume, along with his blue hyacinth macaw perched on his shoulder. And one thing you can count on - Rodriguez is wearing a smile and beaming with pride!

Totally in tune with the heart and soul of his community, Rodriguez is a native--a third generation Angelino-- who grew up in Los Angeles developing an attitude of giving back to his community as his talents spread wings and flew. Having won more awards than any other designer in the history of the Tournament of Roses parade event, the artist can pick and choose his projects--and he does.

What appeals to someone who enjoys broad strokes, fine details and an expertise in use of color in large displays?

Some of his project design work:

World's Fair in New Orleans - opening stage set of the

Olympic Games in Los Angeles

Disneyland 50th anniversary parade

Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams

Six Flags Glow in the Park Parades

Building throughout the Orient

Buildings in Las Vegas, Reno and Laughlin

Accolades:

His first award-winning concept at the age of 15 became the selection for a float in the parade.

Rose Parade Floats - sometimes 12 or more floats contracted in a single year!

Awards and recognition--too many to list, they come from the Hispanic community that Rodriguez embraces, from his alma matter - California State University at Long Beach- and from everyone who smiles and delights in seeing his handiwork each January 1st on television, the Internet broadcasts, or the streets of Pasadena.

Does Raul Rodriguez see the world through rose-colored glasses? He looks at life in this manner: "To entertain by re-creating diverse dramatic themes drawn from nature and the rich cornucopia of the world's cultures; to replay concepts from the whimsical to the exotic in larger-than-life presentations that allow me to relate the wonders of life in a bold, unique art form."

Rodriguez has followed his passion and in so doing has touched and inspired people throughout the world! Hat's off to this amazing talent!

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