Rising Stars: Meet Rita Salazar Dickerson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Salazar Dickerson.

Hi Rita, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My story is a simple one: My dad was a professional artist and his creative influence took hold of me at a very early age – when I was barely old enough to hold a pencil. In my home art was looked upon as something potentially beautiful and powerful and so I was nurtured in an environment where I was encouraged to imagine and create. By the time I was six years old, I was telling everyone that when I grew up I was going to be an artist.

That confidence and dream never wavered, it only grew stronger as my ability to draw grew as well. By the time I was in high school, I was happily known as an artist and received my first portrait commission from a woman who worked in the school office. As more offers for commissions started coming in I always said yes and from that it didn’t take me long to realize that art opens doors. I even painted a mural on my high school principal’s wall at his home. From early childhood on, I have been so thankful for all the hours I spent drawing; they built a foundation that I rely on today.

Saying “Yes.” throughout the years has given me a variety of experiences in several areas of art…from calligraphy to portraiture in all subject matter, to children’s book illustrations, wall murals and even painting as a performance artist in front of live audiences, I enjoy it all and the adventures that each one brings. When I’m not creating from my inspiration it’s very rewarding to paint someone else’s vision or dream. I have met some incredible people through my commissioned work.

I believe that “iron sharpens iron” and so through the years, I have taken advantage of opportunities to study with some of the top master painters of our day as well as learn from master artists from the past as a privileged Copyist at the National Gallery in DC. Who knew that one day I would be allowed to paint and study in front of an actual John Singer Sargent? The learning and growth I experience as an artist continues.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve never heard of anything worthwhile being easy. To achieve my goals as an artist has been threefold. The first, not letting the daily distractions of life keep me away from my art. In this world there are so many things, good and bad that want to keep me from my work; self-discipline is the key.

Second, I ignore the naysayers from others (and sometimes myself) who question the validity of what I do. I am careful who I spend time with and make it a point to surround myself with positive people. And third, the disappointment that often comes with growth; it is hard to learn and grow without failure so a thankful, positive attitude is the key to shaking off negative feelings and moving forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I spend most of my days creating fine art as a professional oil painter, specializing in commissioned work. I am proud of the wide range of subject matter that I have the opportunity to create because of the varied requests that I receive and willingly accept from art patrons and first-time collectors.

I love working with people, getting to know them, and understanding their dreams for a painting. My goal with each commission is to have the result be a beautiful painting and a happy collector.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am fortunate to have an inner circle of support from close family members and friends who understand and appreciate what I do and the work that it involves. They are priceless to me. I also consider myself blessed by the many art patrons and collectors who support and value my work. The encouragement they generate each time they purchase my work pushes me forward.

Pricing:

• 8×10″ oil starting at $500.
• 9×12″ oil starting at $600.
• 11×14″, oil, starting at $700.
• 16×20″, oil, starting at $1000.
• 18×24″, oil, starting at $1800.

Contact Info:

• Website: ritasalazardickerson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritasalazardickerson/
• Facebook: Rita Salazar Dickerson
• Linkedin: Rita Salazar Dickerson