Pope John Paul II was not just a pope, but also a statesman and peace maker who lived through the troubling times of Nazism and Communism in Eastern Europe. His behind-the-scenes work helped to liberate Eastern Europe into the new age of democracy. His passion and courage are expressed through the bright, bold colors in this painting. The portrait is painted with acrylic paint on canvas using a palette knife.
Rita Hisar is an emerging Contemporary Artist who paints vibrant paintings with acrylic paint and knife. She specializes in portraits, using an Expressionistic/Pop art style. She is of Italian/Czech descent, based in Toronto Canada. Although she has painted all of her life, only recently did she decide to pursue it with abandon, after working as a lawyer and teacher. Although largely self-taught, she has also studied art formally at The Toronto School of Art and The Ontario College of Art and Design. She is inspired by her travels, nature and the urban/Pop Culture culture surrounding her. Her work has recently appeared in exhibits in New York, Miami, London, Toronto and Turks and Caicos.