Rita Schoonmaker was born in 1954 in the United States and pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, completing her studies in 1976—a time of vibrant artistic experimentation and change. Her early creative work began with local exhibitions and employment in creative fields, where she developed her skills and expanded her perspective on art. Rita’s approach to art is rooted in a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery, continually striving to push the boundaries of her practice.
In her current work, Rita combines acrylics on high-quality papers, using flowing lines, layered color relationships, and a rhythmic interplay of light and shadow to capture a deeply personal narrative. This approach allows her to express intangible concepts, such as emotional balance and introspection. Rita’s creative process is marked by an openness to experimentation across multiple mediums and substrates, continually testing and evolving her methods. Her work is defined by a unique approach to composition that involves integrating movement, color, and texture into a cohesive whole that draws viewers into contemplative engagement.
Through this meticulous exploration of form and color, Rita’s work embodies her journey as an artist who is both grounded in tradition and forward-looking in her practice. Her art serves as an invitation for viewers to explore their interpretations, prompting them to reflect on their experiences and emotions. Rita remains deeply committed to this creative journey, viewing each new piece as a step toward understanding the poetic resonance of life and nature.
In her current work, Rita combines acrylics on high-quality papers, using flowing lines, layered color relationships, and a rhythmic interplay of light and shadow to capture a deeply personal narrative. This approach allows her to express intangible concepts, such as emotional balance and introspection. Rita’s creative process is marked by an openness to experimentation across multiple mediums and substrates, continually testing and evolving her methods. Her work is defined by a unique approach to composition that involves integrating movement, color, and texture into a cohesive whole that draws viewers into contemplative engagement.
Through this meticulous exploration of form and color, Rita’s work embodies her journey as an artist who is both grounded in tradition and forward-looking in her practice. Her art serves as an invitation for viewers to explore their interpretations, prompting them to reflect on their experiences and emotions. Rita remains deeply committed to this creative journey, viewing each new piece as a step toward understanding the poetic resonance of life and nature.
See More Art by Rita Schoonmaker
This review was published by Circle Foundation for the Arts © CFA Press ∙Images are courtesy of the artist