Rina Ritzi

My creative process begins with an emotion, a memory, or a moment in nature rather than a photograph I want to reproduce. The sea and sky have always been my greatest sources of inspiration, particularly the ever-changing place where they meet. I work intuitively, allowing the painting to develop through layers of colour, texture, movement and light. I often begin without knowing exactly where the painting will take me. Acrylics and fluid mediums help me create movement and depth in the sea, while I use oils to build the atmosphere, clouds and changing light of the sky. Texture is an important part of my work; I want the surface to have a physical presence that can be experienced as well as seen. I am drawn to the freedom of abstraction because it allows me to capture the feeling of a landscape rather than simply its appearance. A painting may begin with the memory of waves, clouds or sunlight, but as it develops, it becomes something more personal and emotional. I work through many layers, often revisiting a painting several times. Sometimes I have to step away and allow my eye to catch up with what the painting is telling me. I don't believe every decision needs to be made immediately. The painting has to find its own balance between colour, movement, light and stillness. My aim is not to tell the viewer exactly what to see. I want my paintings to create a space where each person can bring their own memories, emotions and imagination. If someone can stand in front of one of my paintings and feel transported somewhere of their own, then the painting has done what I hoped it would do.