About

Rita Willoughby's painting style provides a very realistic look at B.C.'s coastal beauty, but with a considerable emphasis on the reflected light, the harmonies of colour and the importance of balance and visual flow. Each painting is so detailed that some pieces have taken her more than 100 hours to complete. But the long hours of labour are reflected in the fine quality of her finished works.

The inspiration for this Salt Spring artist's vision is from a life spent here on the west coast, as a daughter of a boat builder, born in the picturesque village of Garden Bay. Her continued exploration of B.C.'s islands, harbours and beaches during her many scenic summer boating trips with her husband, Gerry, has provided the artist with much inspiration for her art.

It has only been recently that Rita has been able to devote herself full time to her life long passion. Her husband and four children have always had first priority but she has been able to find the time to attend a two-year Fine Arts program at Fraser Valley College. Various classes over the years, as well as tutoring by Canadian artist Joan Huestis-Foster and Huibert Van Drimmelen of Chilliwack have helped her to develop her skills.

Rita's work is to be found throughout Canada and the U.S.A., with shows at Hunter Gallery, Gibsons, B.C., the ArtWorks in Chilliwack, and most recently at Thunderbird Gallery on Salt Spring Island.