Rita Kirkman art fish best known for her lively pastel drawings of farm animals, but there’s a quieter, more meditative side to her work—her fish series. These pieces may not be as widely known as her cows or goats, but they hold a unique charm. The way she captures the gentle, fluid motion of fish in stillness reflects a deeper kind of observation. This article explores her artistic style, her approach to fish as a subject, and why these artworks connect with people on a very personal level.
Who Is Rita Kirkman?
Rita Kirkman is an award-winning pastel artist from Texas who’s been working with soft pastels since she was a teenager. Over the years, she has developed a signature style using warm underpaintings that shine through cooler top layers. While most people know her for animal portraits—especially cattle and other farm creatures—she occasionally explores new subjects. One of the lesser-discussed but fascinating corners of her portfolio includes fish-themed art. This side of her work highlights her versatility and curiosity as an artist.
Why Fish?
Fish might seem like an odd choice for an artist known for expressive animals. But that’s exactly what makes the fish series special. Fish don’t show expressions in the same way mammals do. They glide. They hover. Their silence is striking. Kirkman finds beauty in this simplicity. She once said she’s drawn to the shapes, patterns, and movements of fish. They’re calm but never still. This quality allows her to play with light, reflection, and texture in a different way than she does with her land animals. These artworks often make the viewer pause, inviting reflection and quiet appreciation.
The Artistic Style Behind the Fish Series
Rita Kirkman’s fish artwork carries the same warmth and glow found in her other pieces. She starts with a warm-toned underpainting—often orange, red, or gold—and layers pastel strokes on top. The result is a glowing finish that feels alive. While her cows and goats stand boldly with rich textures, the fish tend to float in soft, simple backgrounds. This lets the subject stand out without distraction. It’s clear she gives as much care to these small fish as she does to larger creatures. Every detail in the scales, the fins, and the water reflections feels intentional and balanced.
Materials and Techniques
Kirkman’s fish art is created using soft pastels on textured paper. The surface she uses grabs the pastel and holds several layers, which helps in achieving that vibrant look. Her process begins with sketching the fish lightly, followed by a rich underpainting. This underpainting sets the tone. Then she builds up layers of pastel, carefully blending when needed and leaving bold strokes elsewhere. The finished pieces often have a dreamy quality, yet maintain strong focus. Her approach to fish isn’t about capturing realism. It’s about capturing feeling—how it feels to watch a fish move through water, to sit in silence and observe.
Common Themes in Rita Kirkman’s Fish Artwork
There’s a consistent theme of stillness and movement coexisting. You see fish captured mid-motion, yet frozen in time. The muted, minimal backgrounds suggest deep water or quiet aquariums. Light plays a big role too. Kirkman paints highlights on the fish’s body that suggest sunlight bouncing off water. It’s subtle, but effective. Her use of warm underpainting gives the art a glow that makes each fish seem lit from within. These works feel peaceful. They’re like a soft breath in a noisy world. And for many art lovers, that makes them deeply meaningful.
Audience and Reception
Though her fish series is smaller than her animal portrait collection, it’s loved by collectors who seek quiet, thoughtful pieces. These works don’t shout for attention. Instead, they gently invite the viewer in. Art lovers often display her fish pieces in spaces meant for calm—like bedrooms, offices, or reading corners. People appreciate how these fish artworks can soften a space. They also appeal to those who enjoy aquatic themes or are interested in nature-based art. Galleries often describe the fish works as peaceful, reflective, and timeless—qualities that are hard to achieve without going overboard.
How Her Fish Art Compares to Her Other Work
Rita Kirkman’s animal portraits are full of energy. Her cows have personality. Her goats look like they’re about to walk off the canvas. But her fish pieces are the opposite. They’re quiet and slow. Yet, the same level of care and skill goes into each type. What connects both styles is her use of light, texture, and color. She doesn’t use a lot of fancy tricks—just layers, strokes, and a great eye for tone. And while her farm animals might make you smile, her fish make you think. That contrast shows her range as an artist.
Why Her Fish Art Matters
In a time where people crave calm and clarity, Kirkman’s fish artwork offers a gentle escape. It’s simple, but that’s the point. In a world full of loud, fast, digital art, her pastel fish slow things down. They remind us to look, breathe, and feel. These paintings don’t overwhelm. They comfort. They’re the kind of art you keep coming back to, not because they shout, but because they whisper. That kind of effect is rare—and powerful.
Conclusion
Rita Kirkman’s fish-themed artwork might not be as widely discussed as her farm animal portraits, but it deserves just as much attention. With simple subjects and quiet backgrounds, she captures a sense of peace that’s hard to find in other art forms. Her skill with pastel, light, and color turns each fish into a small story—one that invites viewers to pause and reflect. If you’re interested in art that brings calm and clarity, her fish series is worth exploring. The work under the rita kirkman art fish label isn’t loud or flashy. But it’s honest, warm, and deeply human. And that’s what makes it truly special.
