About Rita
Hello I’m Rita, the artist behind this website of wonderful oil paintings. Welcome to my world!
I currently work from my studio in the Cotswolds which is the part of the UK I call home. I have a lovely studio in the garden of our home surrounded by trees, shrubs, flowers and at the back of the garden is a beautiful old Cotswold stone wall.
However, my love for art, design, and travel started when I crossed the channel to France when I was young.
My first serious foray into the world of art began when I arrived in Paris to study at The International Fashion School. It was an amazing time for someone so young where I could fully immerse myself in the art world. Living in Paris surrounded by beautiful buildings and classic paintings was everything I had dreamed of and more.
My time in Paris opened my eyes to this wonderful world of Fashion. Visiting Couture Houses, looking at the beauty of the fabrics that had been created into wonderful designs to enhance the figures of the models to the finest detail was one of the experiences of my life time.
On returning to the UK, I continued my studies at the world-renowned St Martins College of Art in London, and graduated a few years later with a Fine Art degree.
I think my time in the fashionable part of Paris and then London must have been the confirmation I needed that I was on the right path to a long career in fashion.
During my working life I have worked for fashion retailers in many aspects of design and manufacture of garments. This then led me to become a consultant in design working for manufacturers globally. This was a fascinating time in my career then leading me on to becoming an artist. So, creating in embroidery, lace, and fabrics leading to oil paints on canvas or board has been the journey through my life.
I still love to visit museums and galleries when I’m on my travels. Those formative years in Paris and London where I was spoilt for choice when it came to museums and galleries have left their mark.
My favourites of all time are the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art and the Frick Gallery, both in the city that never sleeps – New York.
A little closer to home I never miss an opportunity when in Amsterdam to visit the Rijks Museum and of course the iconic and well-loved Tate Gallery and the Royal Academy and the Victoria and Albert in London. They are jam packed full of beautifully curated works of art and artefacts to inspire everyone who visits.
Closer to home I was also the Programme Secretary for my home branch of The Art Society. The Art Society is an international society covering the UK, Europe and Australia. Being the Programme Secretary gave me the opportunity to select lecturers including many of the well-known and well-loved presenters of the Antiques Road Show.
I’ve always painted since I started my time in Paris all those years ago. And I’ve always loved the medium of oils on board. Since retiring from the world of fashion I have spent the last decade creating oil paintings of landscapes both here in the UK and overseas. Travelling with my paints and trusty board. Soaking up the atmosphere of the environments I find myself in.
From the windswept and rugged coastlines of Western Scotland to the gentle rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds, I have had the joy of painting them all. I paint in the much-loved traditional British style with a palette knife and brush, painting from real life scenes.
I enjoy spending time at my own Studio here in the Cotswolds where the final touches are added to my art. It’s peaceful here with the only interruptions being my wonderful Husband interrupting me with a cup of tea which is always welcomed! My studio is also where the paintings start their journey to their new owners. Carefully wrapped and dispatched at the start of their journey to their new homes across the British Isles and further afield.
If you’d like to see more of my art, please head on over to the Gallery page where you will also find paintings currently for sale.
Galleries
I have recently had my art exhibited at The Spring Gallery in Cheltenham and a collection confirmed to be on show at The Red Rag Gallery in Bath.
Bespoke Commissions
I undertake bespoke commissions for private clients. Prices available on request. To make an initial enquiry please use the contact form.
About Rita
Hello I’m Rita, the artist behind this website of wonderful oil paintings. Welcome to my world!
I currently work from my studio in the Cotswolds which is the part of the UK I call home. I have a lovely studio in the garden of our home surrounded by trees, shrubs, flowers and at the back of the garden is a beautiful old Cotswold stone wall.
However, my love for art, design, and travel started when I crossed the channel to France when I was young.
My first serious foray into the world of art began when I arrived in Paris to study at The International Fashion School. It was an amazing time for someone so young where I could fully immerse myself in the art world. Living in Paris surrounded by beautiful buildings and classic paintings was everything I had dreamed of and more.
My time in Paris opened my eyes to this wonderful world of Fashion. Visiting Couture Houses, looking at the beauty of the fabrics that had been created into wonderful designs to enhance the figures of the models to the finest detail was one of the experiences of my life time.
On returning to the UK, I continued my studies at the world-renowned St Martins College of Art in London, and graduated a few years later with a Fine Art degree.
I think my time in the fashionable part of Paris and then London must have been the confirmation I needed that I was on the right path to a long career in fashion.
During my working life I have worked for fashion retailers in many aspects of design and manufacture of garments. This then led me to become a consultant in design working for manufacturers globally. This was a fascinating time in my career then leading me on to becoming an artist. So, creating in embroidery, lace, and fabrics leading to oil paints on canvas or board has been the journey through my life.
I still love to visit museums and galleries when I’m on my travels. Those formative years in Paris and London where I was spoilt for choice when it came to museums and galleries have left their mark.
My favourites of all time are the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art and the Frick Gallery, both in the city that never sleeps – New York.
A little closer to home I never miss an opportunity when in Amsterdam to visit the Rijks Museum and of course the iconic and well-loved Tate Gallery and the Royal Academy and the Victoria and Albert in London. They are jam packed full of beautifully curated works of art and artefacts to inspire everyone who visits.
Closer to home I was also the Programme Secretary for my home branch of The Art Society. The Art Society is an international society covering the UK, Europe and Australia. Being the Programme Secretary gave me the opportunity to select lecturers including many of the well-known and well-loved presenters of the Antiques Road Show.
I’ve always painted since I started my time in Paris all those years ago. And I’ve always loved the medium of oils on board. Since retiring from the world of fashion I have spent the last decade creating oil paintings of landscapes both here in the UK and overseas. Travelling with my paints and trusty board. Soaking up the atmosphere of the environments I find myself in.
From the windswept and rugged coastlines of Western Scotland to the gentle rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds, I have had the joy of painting them all. I paint in the much-loved traditional British style with a palette knife and brush, painting from real life scenes.
I enjoy spending time at my own Studio here in the Cotswolds where the final touches are added to my art. It’s peaceful here with the only interruptions being my wonderful Husband interrupting me with a cup of tea which is always welcomed! My studio is also where the paintings start their journey to their new owners. Carefully wrapped and dispatched at the start of their journey to their new homes across the British Isles and further afield.
If you’d like to see more of my art, please head on over to the Gallery page where you will also find paintings currently for sale.
Galleries
I have recently had my art exhibited at The Spring Gallery in Cheltenham and a collection confirmed to be on show at The Red Rag Gallery in Bath.
Bespoke Commissions
I undertake bespoke commissions for private clients. Prices available on request. To make an initial enquiry please use the contact form.