About
Rita Pedersen

Hailing from Oslo, Rita Pedersen began her career as a secretary at ABB, where she worked for many years.

In 1993, she took the bold step of leaving her hometown to embrace life in Lanzarote. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey where her true creativity flourished.

Her artistic journey began after a chance meeting with artist and carpenter Arne Sjøberg in Oslo that same year. Although her plans to learn from Arne were interrupted by a new job in Lanzarote, he encouraged Rita to explore the world of painting on the island. Armed with a large box of paints and brushes gifted by Arne, Rita embarked on her path as a painter.

On Lanzarote’s sunny beaches, Rita met Salvador, and together they founded the iconic restaurant The Viking House, which remains a hub for art and culinary experiences on the island. As a self-taught artist, Rita has transformed the restaurant into an exhibition space for her vibrant acrylic paintings.

In the kitchen, the heart of daily life, her love of color extends beyond the canvas to the plate. Here, art and cuisine intertwine in a harmonious dance of flavors and hues, blending creativity and joy into a delightful symphony of culinary artistry.

Rita paints on MDF boards and canvases, using everything from palette knives to brushes and even her fingers to create her colorful works. Her art bursts with vibrant colors and playful recycling of materials like cardboard, bubble wrap, screws, and more. She strives to create something for every taste—light tones, bold colors, abstract forms, and clear motifs—offering an endless exploration of artistic expression.

Her inspiration comes from Lanzarote’s immediate surroundings, books, personal experiences, and her many travels to Thailand.

Rita’s Art and Creations

Rita isn’t afraid to experiment with various techniques and materials, incorporating everything from Thai silk to broken mirrors to add a shimmering effect to her works.

Her paintings have been shipped to Morocco, Ireland, Great Britain, Scotland, Sweden, Cuba, Germany, Spain, Holland, the Czech Republic, and many parts of Norway.

In addition to her paintings, Rita Pedersen has a passion for breathing new life into vintage furniture, especially pieces made from high-quality materials with retro charm. She carefully restores old furniture to preserve its original character and soul. From aged cabinets to well-worn armchairs, Rita channels her creativity into precise details, driven by her genuine love for retro aesthetics.