Rita Kirkman
   "Working primarily in pastel, I’ve devoted my career to expressing the essence of life through vibrant color and light. Living in the heart of Texas, I find endless inspiration in nature's interplay of light and shadow, and the rich contrasts it reveals.
   "My work is about more than representation; it's about forging connections. Each pastel stroke aims to reflect the humor, beauty, and warmth animals inherently possess. I strive to reveal their personalities, inviting viewers to see them as kindred spirits rather than just subjects.
   "Beginning each piece with an underpainting, I infuse a warm glow, setting the foundation for layers of pastel. This approach allows me to convey not only physical forms but the inner light of each animal. I hope my art serves as a bridge, fostering a deeper appreciation of the shared world between us and the creatures around us.
   "With every piece, my hope is to spark inspiration, joy, and reflection, embracing the beauty and wonder in the unexpected. Thank you for joining me on this colorful journey!"
    ~Rita Kirkman
Rita Kirkman, a lifelong artist, began working with pastels at age 11 and received her first portrait commission as a teenager. Since 2003, she has continually refined her technique through independent study and workshops, earning major awards and recognition in national and international competitions, exhibitions, and publications.
Now a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and an Eminent Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies, her work is widely collected across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond.
As a popular instructor, Kirkman's teaching focuses on value, temperature and composition, and in 2020, she launched a Patreon page, offering exclusive studio insights, demos and virtual paint-alongs, sharing her expertise from over 40 years as an artist.
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