About me
The face behind Art on the Fly
Hi, I’m Rita Carpenter, living my life to the fullest in Milton, WI. For me, that means two things: art inspiration and amazing destinations. For business or trip related inquiries, contact me by email.
artonthefly2018@gmail.com
I am very passionate about photography. In 2008, I discovered photography and watercolor. Without formal education in art, I embarked on many international art adventures with Karlyn Holman. This is where I began and eventually fell in love with watercolor. I continued learning by taking workshops from Karlyn Holman, Karen Knutson, Urban Sketching, Barb Mathews, Janet Nunn, Elizabeth St Hilarie, Watercolor Live, and more. My passion with the medium is that it can be wild and free, or it can be tightly controlled. Finding a balance is the challenge for me. In my exploration, I find that adding collage, pastel, or acrylic to watercolor gives me more texture and it adds personal meaning. I use these techniques in travel journaling.
The Janesville Art League has been a large part of my time in the art scene for many years. Over the years, I’ve held many JAL Board positions: Secretary, United Art Alliance Liaison, Co-President in restoration of oil paintings and Vice-President of events. I am currently the State of Wisconsin Lead Representative for the International Watercolor Society (IWS). I also spent time as a board member for the Association of Wisconsin Artists ( AKA – WRAA ) I was the “State Day” Coordinator and the “Bridging Generations” Coordinator. Outside of council work, I have won State awards for art and photography and have had my work published in calendars. For several years now, I’ve taught introductory/intermediate classes in acrylic pouring, watercolor and mixed media. In 2018, Art on the Fly was founded by my passion for continuing art education and inspiration. It is the platform where I organize art travel trips with fellow artists, to share with them the joy of creating something original and awe inspiring.
