Meet Rita Bhasin | Fine Art artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita Bhasin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’ve been risk averse for much of my life, which meant I was unhappy with my circumstances. Woke up one bright day, and decided it was time for change! That’s the basis of risk – change. I quit my career as a project manager, and threw myself full time into the making of art. I took classes at Arapahoe Community college, Art Students League of Denver and workshops with amazing artists and studied books on artists I love. Painting and drawing has been a first love since I was little, and here I am, living the life I’ve always wanted and doing what I love best.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was born in Kenya, have lived in many different countries, and now reside in beautiful Colorado. I bring my experiences and appreciation of diverse cultures and beliefs to my artwork. Being of Indian origin, with African and American West sensibilities, I’m naturally drawn to bold shapes, colors and textures: shapes formed by light and shadow, small and often overlooked objects, the mound of a hill, the shape of a flower.
It wasn’t easy to paint authentically at first. I think we are all influenced by what is around you in terms of art styles. Luckily, in just eight short years, my personal growth has allowed my authentic voice to be expressed.
I have a studio at Prism Workspaces, which is like a second home for me. There are 40 or so other creatives in the building, and the atmosphere is one of caring, sharing, collaborative and friendship. This is so important as a creative, as making art is a solitary experience. I can close my studio door when I need time to think, and walk out to join in on discussions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado has so much natural beauty. Spots around Denver are easy to get to and offer different experiences. I love Morrison and Red Rocks park. A short distance from there is the Lair of the Bear park that offers different hikes and views. Larimer Square and Union Station in the city offer great food and people watching. South of the city, there’s Daniels Park where you can see buffalo roaming. And of course, a trip to the mountains and ski/ hike in Vail, Breckenridge, etc.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Excellent courses at Arapahoe Community college, and Denver’s Art Students League deserve recognition. Workshops with artists who have become friends, and have helped my artistic growth: Lorenzo Chavez, Diane Fechenbach, Michael Dowling. Family support is just as important – my husband Deepak, and our sons and their families have played a big part in my growth.

Website: Ritabhasinart.com

Instagram: @Ritabhasinart