As a kid, I loved solving puzzles and mysteries.  I never got over that. I realize now, that all the work I did, and do, to earn a living (not art, for sure) was(is) a way to continue this challenge. I came to painting as an adult, if you can call 50 years of age an adult.  After struggling with a lot of discipline I realized that painting, for me, was no different than a puzzle or a mystery. Yet, now, the problems were those I created myself.  And so were the solutions.  In a way, stories.

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To my great surprise I was accepted to study painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Art at the age of 52. Aside from learning from practiced, successful artists, I studied and learned from the past.  I think that education is seen in my work.  As an artist working today, I believe all expression, if intentional, is good.  But, I’m proud to say, I am an old-fashioned painter.  I focus on simple things.  Cups, saucers, people, fruit and such, held together with color, shape and space.   

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My work has been a journey.  And it seems that once I get comfortable and happy in a stop along the way, some gremlin tells me it’s time to move on. But that’s the challenge; to reach, to flop, or maybe to learn.  It’s risky business, this time in your life that you spend on this unknown place; when you step off a cliff and a hope for a strong upward wind. This takes true commitment and clutching on to self-confidence.  

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I hope, if I stick to it, I can attempt a poetic expression using the stuff of painting; color, shape, space, some lines. I guess I’m twisting in the wind, but I haven’t dropped. So, I suppose I’ll continue.

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Rita A. Lugrine 

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For information about the works please contact me at rita.lugrine@gmail.com