Rita Cortesi

I recall being obsessed with dogs and horses at the age of five and drawing them in pencil and crayon.  Dreaming of owning a horse and dog was a main focal point of my existence.  My family moved us back to our native Germany when I was seven and we lived in Dischingen for 2 1/2 years only to return to Chicago.Since my childhood was not producing my desires, I became a dog walker, groomer and frequented barns to enjoy horseback riding.  In the early 1970's I worked at a firm in the Chicago Board of Trade building and visited the Chicago Art Museum often and was inspired to begin my first paintings. It wasn't until my late 30's that I became fortunate to take formal riding lessons and enjoy horse ownership.  Dressage lessons were my Nirvana. Over time I developed physical disablities not attributed by riding and have retired my horse friend, Journey.  Since riding is not an option, my obsession and goal is to stay connected to horses through creating meaningful art that also inspires hope by donating 10% of the proceeds of a commission to the following shelters, HARPS and Animal House Shelter.

I am primarily a self-taught artist.  I began painting in acrylics and oil in the 1970's .   Reading a large variety of books by renowned artists and other materials, studying their work, gave me the insight for various methods used including that of the old masters which is a layering of multiple thin glazes for achieving subtle transitions that produces the  dimensional effect.  Most importantly is studying the body structure, bones and muscles of animals in order to distinguish their unique features and just as important is seeing the prism of light reflections bouncing off the subject from every angle in order to capture the best realistic likeness.  This very process takes patience and time.  My artwork encompasses a variety of subjects; horses, dogs, seascapes and more. 

Obviously horse and dogs are a passion of mine for many reasons.  One of my dreams is to get a commission to paint a world renowned stallion. 

I have been featured in On Course magazine and am currently being featured in the upcoming St. Charles Pride of the Fox RiverFest June 13 & 14, 2009 Art Show.

I accept commissions for acrylic paintings of horse, dog & cat portraits.  Please visit the Commissions page for more info. During this part of my life, I am making the commitment to painting full-time.

I am a member of the following organizations:
Chicago Artist Coalition
Arts in Bartlett
Art World Chicago
IDCTA