Rita Shaw

As a child growing up in Switzerland, pencil and paper were never far away from Rita.  Drawing came naturally to her and she kept it up as a hobby until she came to live on a sheep farm at Kiritehere with her husband.  

Since moving to Kiritehere, she has  been involved in farming and raising their three children.  Until recently, she had felt her creativity had deserted her - falling victim to the long hours working, training sheepdogs, dog trials, pony club with the children and all the other responsibilities that come with farm management,

Then a friend gifted her an easel and a chance meeting with artist Maxine Thompson led to her taking part in a pastel workshop.

It is Rita's wish to paint a tribute to the sheep dogs of New Zealand, without whom the country would not have been farmed. She also enjoys painting native birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

She is available on commission for paintings of pets or people.

Rita's work is on display until the end of February.