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THE RAC 5 – Connie van Rhyn
Connie van Rhyn is a Riverside, CT artist who started painting again in 2022 and is experimenting in many mediums, mostly water-based oil presently. Her background in commercial design focused on Human Factors and managing the world-renowned PepsiCo art collection influences her art. She especially loves painting pet commissions, depicting the relationship of the special pet with the owner or family member(s) and plein air painting.
Connie is currently exhibiting in a number of shows, notably the Florence Griswold Museums Patchwork – 250 show in Old Lyme, CT and an upcoming solo show in the Adirondacks at the FHHL Gallery. In her work she looks to bring moments of joy to others.
What started you on your creative path?
Creativity and artistic adventures have always been part of my life. I took many art electives in high school and knew that I wanted a career in commercial interior design. During the summers of my sophomore and junior years of college, I gained experience interning for a NYC firm that specialized in the design of Investment Banking offices and Park Avenue residences.
After graduating from Syracuse University (SU), I joined a mid-sized Interiors firm often showcased in Interior Design magazine. I transitioned to an internal Corporate RE/Architectural Team, earned my MS from Pratt Institute, and passed my LEED exam. My 33 years at PepsiCo were dynamic, full of expanding responsibilities and the autonomy to envision and create their Workplace Strategy Team, focused on linking brand, company values and data with real estate across the globe.
Another highlight was being selected to manage their world renowned art collection in 2012. My learning curve for relocating, storing and reinstalling interior fine art and ~20 sculptures was a fast, stressful and amazing experience.
My professors at SU encouraged me to become a painter or sculptor and I’ve enjoyed creating interior “sculptures” for about 45 years; now I have the luxury to explore what my 5-year-old self-loved, drawing and painting, with smaller scale sculpture still intriguing me.
What medium do you work in and why?
I love many mediums and currently work primarily in water-based oil, dabble in watercolor and pastel with charcoal and conte for sketching. Water based oil is easy to clean up whether inside or while plein air painting, providing great flexibility for me.
Do you listen to anything while you are working on your art?
I love to listen to audiobooks while I paint and get great suggestions from friends, other artists or my library app.
Do you work on multiple pieces at once?
I typically work on 2-3 paintings at a time. Sometimes I’m finishing a life portrait while working on a pet portrait that’s drying. This year has been busy as I am just putting the finishing touches on 15 landscapes for a solo show at Huletts Landing (Lake George) this August, while also working on pet commissions and other show entries.
What inspires your artwork?
People – their relation to others or the world around them and opportunities to bring joy or lift one’s spirits. In a fast world, with so many competing priorities, being able to capture an important memory, provide inspiration or calmness is my goal.
Learn more about Connie on Instagram @connie_van_rhyn or her website connievanrhynart.com.
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