“Methods in Pastels” Premier Workshop with Artist Rita Kirkman
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A renowned artist living in the U.S., Rita Kirkman’s exquisite pastel renderings of animals have an unmistakable presence and a connection with the viewer. With a background in portraiture, she captures the spirit of each as an individual soul. Her paintings reflect a deep reverence for the natural world, and her process of underpainting the light illuminates its beauty. The result is a sense of place and depth that stimulates the imagination. The situations and expressions of her animals spark a human recognition within us.
“I find joy in capturing the life and spirit of animals through the vibrant medium of pastel. I’m endlessly inspired by the play of light and shadow, and the natural contrasts of color and temperature found in the world around us. My work is about more than just portraying animals—it’s about creating connection. I love revealing the humor, beauty, and warmth of personalities through color and composition, inviting the viewer to see them not just as subjects, but as kindred spirits.”
Kirkman has been using pastel since she was 11 years old, and since 2003 she has consistently won major awards in national and international competitions. She is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and an Eminent Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies. Her paintings have been featured in the Pastel Journal and Pratique des Arts Spécial Pastel, and published in many others. Her work is held in public and private collections worldwide. In 2020, she created a Patreon page full of demo videos and art tips, generously sharing her knowledge and passion with a growing community of artists and collectors.
A renowned artist living in the U.S., Rita Kirkman’s exquisite pastel renderings of animals have an unmistakable presence and a connection with the viewer. With a background in portraiture, she captures the spirit of each as an individual soul. Her paintings reflect a deep reverence for the natural world, and her process of underpainting the light illuminates its beauty. The result is a sense of place and depth that stimulates the imagination. The situations and expressions of her animals spark a human recognition within us.
“I find joy in capturing the life and spirit of animals through the vibrant medium of pastel. I’m endlessly inspired by the play of light and shadow, and the natural contrasts of color and temperature found in the world around us. My work is about more than just portraying animals—it’s about creating connection. I love revealing the humor, beauty, and warmth of personalities through color and composition, inviting the viewer to see them not just as subjects, but as kindred spirits.”
Kirkman has been using pastel since she was 11 years old, and since 2003 she has consistently won major awards in national and international competitions. She is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and an Eminent Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies. Her paintings have been featured in the Pastel Journal and Pratique des Arts Spécial Pastel, and published in many others. Her work is held in public and private collections worldwide. In 2020, she created a Patreon page full of demo videos and art tips, generously sharing her knowledge and passion with a growing community of artists and collectors.
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