Rita Vindedzis, a Canadian born artist, wife and devoted mother, came to realize her passion for art very early in life. The daughter of professional artists, Rita’s earliest influences began in childhood as she watched both her mother and her father bring their artistic visions to life.
Inspired by the creativity that seemed to permeate virtually every aspect of family life, Rita began to pursue her own artistic abilities through formal studies, however the true nature of her inimitable style always came naturally. Acrylic on canvas is the medium through which Rita’s landscapes come alive – a warm and inspiring combination of what she has seen, and what she would like to see in the natural world around us.
Rita paints in her studio using photographs taken during family trips, inspirational drives and walks through the countryside. Some are created purely from memory.
Big skies and open fields, a large expanse of beach, meandering streams and grazing sheep are some of her favourite themes. Each painting is a soft-focus moment in time.
Rita’s long list of gallery exhibitions, art shows, studio shows and home shows continue to garner respect for her work throughout the artistic community, and have given her both a loyal and rapidly growing following.
Her artwork has appeared in Canadian House and Home Magazine, Style at Home Magazine, Décor Magazine, on national television programs including CityLine, Design Inc. and Designer Guys, Canadian Idol, in national television commercials for Heinz Canada, and in the Kilgour Estates model home designed by Brian Gluckstein.
Rita is presently engaged in a wide range of solo, group and gallery exhibitions and her work hangs in numerous private and corporate collections.
1. What is your earliest memory of art making?
It was in kindergarten. Finger painting and gluing noodles onto paper were the best!
Acrylic paints. The fact that they are so quick drying and that you can mix in other media so easily appeals to me.
I get inspired by walks and drives in the country and the beautiful city I live in. We have lots of green spaces in Toronto and the lakeshore and beaches are great. A recent trip to New York this summer has given me tons of inspiration for a new urban series. I also get inspired by color-it's everywhere. Magazines, gallery hops, travel, and my inspiration boards inspire me as well.
4. What is playing in rotation these days while you are working?
Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Coldplay, Simply Red, Radio Nigel, or one of the "alternative" playlists made by my 17 year old son.
5. What is a good art making day look like for you?
After my husband leaves for his office and my son heads out for school, I'll get my workout done and grab a shower and some breakfast. Then I get right to work in my studio and paint for a few hours. I'll stop and break for lunch and sometimes a quick trip out to my local Starbucks. Then it's back to my studio and a few more hours of painting. A really good art day is when I can can get in at least 6 hours of actual painting time.
6. Who are your favorite artists - living and dead.
Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, Turner, Monet, Georgia O'Keefe, Francis Livingston, Jeremy Mann,
7. Greatest advice given to you which you would like to pass along?
Be true to your heart, go with your gut feelings, and embrace change.
