I am inspired by the goodness, the innocence, the honest beauty and strength that is in the world around me and in the people, young and old.
I record in my paintings the joy and reverence that I feel, and I use a realistic style to celebrate "our Creator’s" use of detail in His masterwork, our world.

It is my life’s work to reach people’s hearts through my art work: to remind them to seek, to recognize and to seize the strength of innocence. Compassion springs from this. And Love.

An award winning professional artist, since 1968, this native South Dakotan possesses a unique ability to capture the spirit of life in her pencil drawings and paintings whether through the graceful strides of an Arabian horse, the personality of a child captured in a portrait, or the quiet dignity and freedom of North American wildlife.

Rita’s impeccable style has made her one of South Dakota’s most admired artists. Her work is displayed in private collections across the United States and in Europe. An original painting was purchased by the University of South Dakota for the Governor’s Mansion. In 1993, she was commissioned by the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species to produce two illustrations for their book on endangered species. Her work has been featured on television, in newspapers, and magazines. Rita exhibits her work in juried art auctions and invitational exhibitions. She currently has twenty-five limited edition prints, seven of which are sold out.

In 1987, Augusta College commissioned her to produce a portrait of native American artist and teacher, Oscar Howe. She has received awards every year at the South Dakota State Fair in the 22 years she competed including Judge’s Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Governor’s Awards, and Purchase Awards.

Three drawings were selected for exhibition at the Arabian Horse Trust in Denver, CO. She has won the Faber-Castell Purchase Award in Pencil, had her drawings accepted into the prestigious Academy of Equine Art Show held at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and placed in top five twice in the South Dakota Habits Stamp Contest.