RITA MARIA

(b. 1974, Wisconsin)

Rita Maria is an artist and illustrator based in Wisconsin, best known for her whimsical paintings and her ongoing illustrated journal, Dear Cronies. Her work often features a cast of expressive cats, clever crows, and cozy scenes that blend charm, storytelling, and a touch of the surreal.

With a background in fine art and a love for vintage textiles, Rita brings a painterly and slightly mischievous spirit to each piece she creates. Whether she’s painting a long-format oil piece filled with narrative detail or sketching her two Siamese cats, Patchouli and Pyewacket, in her daily journal, her art always invites viewers into a world where the quiet moments are the most magical.

Her current work explores the companionship between animals, the texture of nostalgia, and the quiet rituals of everyday life — tea parties, movie nights, and the occasional crow-led adventure. Rita’s goal is to create pieces that feel like visual stories: layered, a little quirky, and deeply personal.

She shares her work regularly on Instagram @cronies_nest and through her website, where prints and original pieces are available for purchase.