Rita Valdez is a contemporary painter, born and raised in the American West. She grew up in Wyoming where she developed a love of wild beauty, big skies and majestic horses. From a young age she watched her Father sketch and tell stories of the early West that fired her imagination. Like a vein of Gold, art has been continuously running in her family for generations.

Rita is known today for her realist portraiture, original equestrian art and narrative compositions. Having lived her adult life in Santa Fe, New Mexico she has been able to attend atelier style classes with accomplished artists she has admired. This gradual and personalized way of studying art has allowed her to find her own natural style, that is bold, gutsy, and emotionally responsive.

Highlights of a 35 year career in the arts have been gallery shows and exhibits such as more than 13 years with the Santa Fe Contmporary Hispanic Market. She has received notable awards and publications.

Rita loves painting as a beautiful journey taking her on an ever changing road of different colors, shapes and expressions. She paints passionately, working on a daily basis in her own studio, never ceasing to be inspired by her surroundings and the rich family traditions she finds in her legacy of Spanish and Native heritage.