For over fifty years Karl R. Rittmann painted Rhode Islands people, landmarks, and its beautiful bay. He created several murals in prominent buildings across the state. Karl painted the portrait of every mayor of Warwick from 1936 through 1999 when he finished that of soon to be Senator, Lincoln Chafee. These works are on display in the city hall building in Apponaug. Scores of families in the region have enjoyed his oil and pastel portraits. Besides his murals, portraits, and landscapes, Mr. Rittmann created many pen and ink illustrations of Rhode Islands notable citizens and athletes for the Providence Journal and the Warwick Beacon. He also illustrated a book on tennis instructions, had greeting card companies use his artwork, and lettered signs and advertisements. For over twenty years Mr. Rittmann taught art at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School before becoming the vice-principal there. After retiring from the school system he dedicated himself to capturing Rhode Islands treasures on canvas. He painted over forty works including landscapes, historical buildings, seascapes and college campus montages that where reproduced as lithographs. Friend and colleague, Spencer Crooks, noted Rhode Island watercolorist, describes these works as "scenes that people understand". Please enjoy the gallery of these prints and thanks for visiting.
|