Monday, May 3, 2010

Art Mentor: Rita Ray

Graphite on Paper by Rita Ray


Becoming an Artist was not something that crossed my mind until a few years ago. I always loved to draw and create, but an Artist... I could never be good enough to call myself "Artist".


An artist and fellow classmate of mine, Rita Ray, played a key roll in my choice for going to school and study Fine Arts. Rita is an amazing artist and art teacher at a local high school. As I think back to my elementary days, it makes sense that she is an art teacher. When we were in 6 th grade, we sat near each other and she would demonstrate how to draw animated characters such as "Woody Woodpecker", "Coyote", "Road Runner", etc... I still know how to draw the characters she taught me.


Many years later, we came in contact with each other again at the school where she currently teaches. We worked together in the art department where I learned so much from her, and that is when my focus turned towards an Art degree. I no longer work at the school, but Rita remains on of my Art Mentors.


Rita works with all mediums, but when I think of her work, my mind goes to her highly detailed pencil drawings. She is very meticulous and never shys away from the details that bring her work to life.

6 comments:

  1. Mrs. Manyo's class!!!! You give me way to much credit, and yourself ... not enough! You should call yourself an Artist!

    Btw, I still draw all of those characters.

    ~~ Rita

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  2. Thanks...I do have the confidence now to call myself an Artist, but it took a while to get to that point.

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  3. Maybe you will be instrumental is helping my duaghter get to that point. :)

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  4. It's great to have art mentors that you know personally. It makes me realize that I should find someone I know to be my mentor! Keep up the interesting posts.

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  5. Elisabeth,
    It is great. I think that as artist we need that support of other artist who will encourage us as well as giving honest critique that will help us grow.

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  6. Me,
    If she ever has a question, I will be glad to help her with it :)

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