After a long career in educational publishing followed by several years as an antiques dealer, Peggy Rubin moved to Tucson and finally made space to pursue her dream of becoming a visual artist.

Rubin has always been drawn to the visual arts, but it wasn’t until retirement that she picked up a paintbrush and began exploring painting for herself. What started as a new adventure quickly became a passion.

Inspired by the world around her and by artists who have challenged the rules before her, Rubin approaches each canvas with curiosity and a sense of play. A painting may begin with a simple idea or a single color, but she welcomes the moment when the work takes on a life of its own, guided by unexpected marks and movement. Handmade papers, fabric and found objects often add an element of surprise.

Being part of Tucson’s SAAG Gallery has added another rewarding dimension to Rubin’s artistic journey. Meeting people who stop to look at her work—and hearing their reactions—reminds her that a painting can mean something different to every viewer. She especially enjoys conversations that begin with, “What do you see?”

For Rubin, painting is less about having all the answers and more about seeing what happens next. She believes the most successful paintings often begin when the artist releases control and simply follows the brush.