I am an artist living and working in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego. I started painting 20+ years ago after taking an introductory watercolor class at Palomar College. Painting quickly became my passion and I dove right in, painting as much as possible in my spare time. After retiring, I switched to oil painting, joined a few local art organizations, and painted as much as I could, learning as much as possible through classes at the La Jolla Athenaeum and from other local artists. I sell my art through my website, as well as through local and national art exhibitions, and the Liberty Station ArtWalk.
I’m a California native, having been born in Los Angeles, moved to San Diego as a child and have lived here ever since.
About Sherry Roper
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I was married for 22 years to Gregory Roper, a lawyer at Luce, Forward, Hamilton and Scripps. He passed away in 2023. I have a son, Daniel who lives in Texas, and a step-daughter, Lisa Roper. I also have three wonderful grandchildren.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was a bookkeeper before retiring. I had a freelance bookkeeping business, doing the accounting for several home-based small businesses.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be mindful, live in the moment, because life is too short.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still kickin’ hopefully. I’m hoping to hone my artistic skills, sell more art, and see more of this beautiful world we live in.
Sherry Roper & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My go-to place for great Italian food is Villa Capri on Pomerado in Poway.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Over 50 years.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
It’s not exactly a business, but I think we’re so lucky to have the San Diego County Fair (I still call it the Del Mar Fair). It brings the community together by hosting the art shows, photography exhibitis, farm animals, collections, etc. It makes a big city like San Diego feel like a community.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The variety of natural beauty. Where else could you visit places as varied as Sunset Cliffs and the inland treasures like Ramona Grasslands in one day?!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would love to meet realist painter Justin Wood. His still lifes are amazing. He lives on the East Coast, so I would take him to Lolitas in Clairemont Mesa for a California Burrito.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
National Lampoon’s Vacation
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a three-time finalist in the Pillsbury Bake Off. I used to create recipes and enter recipe contests. I competed in Bake Off competitions in Dallas and in Orlando. My recipes are still on the Pillsbury website.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Watching the sun come up over Iron Mountain from my backyard while drinking a cup of coffee.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandchildren. I feel like I’m setting an example, they’re always watching.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Brother Benno’s in Oceanside. They do a lot for the homeless community.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Scripps Ranch
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It’s peaceful and laid back, and you can always find a place to park! And the people are so nice.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Plein air painting with friends, followed by lunch. Then some puttering around in my garden, and finally a nice glass of wine.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Quiet, calm, peaceful
