Riitta Peirone studied Interpretative Illustration at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario and took courses in drawing and painting at the Ontario College of Art. She worked in Toronto as a graphic artist, designer and illustrator, mainly in educational publishing. In 1985, Riitta spent several months in Florence, Italy studying painting. She moved to Vancouver in 1986 and freelanced as a graphic artist. After several years at home raising her family, Riitta has returned to her art and her love of painting. She is an Associate Member of the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists and had two of her works included in their 2005 National Show. In 2008, her portrait "What are you saying about me?" won an award for Excellence in Portraiture in the mixed media category. In 2002, Riitta became a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and has exhibited in many group shows at the gallery on Granville Island. Riitta's work in pastels, acrylics, watercolours and oils has been shown in both group and solo shows in and around Vancouver. In addition to portraiture and figurative work, Riitta paints the natural surroundings of her home near the Capilano River.

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