Artist Carolyn Ritter gets up close in her approach to painting her animal and floral subjects. See more of her inspirational work by visiting her website.
“Eyeballing Sparrows” Acrylic, 20” x 20”
My most cherished memories of childhood include my love of animals and the wonders of nature. I have never lost that fascination. I am drawn in by looking close-up; therefore my paintings are up-close and personal.
“In a Pickle” Acrylic, 11” x 18”
I am most interested in an animal’s personality traits. I often end up with paintings that portray a particular attitude or a whimsical side. When it comes to my animals, I paint from the heart.
“Artichokes and Lavender” Acrylic, 30” x 34”
In nature I look for things that often go unnoticed. My reverence for nature is expressed by looking close-up for God’s presence in all living things.
“Poppies” Acrylic, 22” x 28”
Painting is what I am compelled to do and the process is the best part of the journey. When I am painting, I get lost in the world I am creating and life is good.
“Dali Cat” Acrylic, 20” x 10”
I often spend three weeks on a painting mulling over what moves me about my subject, then drawing, layering color, adding texture and glazing. I graciously accept advice on the anatomy of my animals from my veterinarian husband.
“Bounce” Acrylic, 18″ x 24″
After completing my art education at Auburn University in 1969, I taught watercolor, acrylics and creative painting in Florida and Georgia.
“Party Animal” Acrylic, 24” x 24”
Meanwhile, I raised two boys and worked for ten years in my husband’s animal hospital where I was secretly collecting ideas for my animal paintings.
“Pounce” Acrylic, Used as cover art for JAVA magazine
A painting of Pounce was featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in October 2000. As a result, Pounce’s portrait can be seen in numerous animal hospitals across the United States.
Artist Carolyn Ritter holding the Georgia license plate featuring her art
I have done illustrations for CatFancy Magazine, and my painting of a Labrador Retriever was chosen for the Georgia specialty license plate. If you are in the Atlanta area, you may spot a mobile spay and neuter hospital, Catsnip, with my eye-catching graphics on the side.
“Zinnia” Acrylic, 24” x 24”
My botanicals have been in numerous juried shows in Florida and Georgia including solo exhibits at the Botanical Gardens of Georgia and Callaway Gardens.
Artist Carolyn Ritter invites you to follow her on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Beautiful!