Another First Thursday gallery event…a one-man show of amazing watercolors. Mike’s detailed and vibrantly colored pieces not only showcase the beauty of Santa Barbara, Managua, and Addis Ababa, but tell a story of the Rider family as well.
Daughter Kori’s Nika Collective in Managua, Nicaragua, founded to help combat childhood malnutrition, neglect and abandonment through job creation for women, along with Steadfast Love, daughter Brittany and son-in-law Ian’s non-profit organization in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia working to rescue women from prostitution and provide them with life training and jobs that allow them to care for themselves and their children, provide inspiration for and are the beneficiaries of Mike’s work. All proceeds from paintings of Central America and Africa will go to these organizations.
Mike says: “Capturing the delight of everyday life in watercolor has become my passion.”
“I have always tried to identify why things look the way they do and what makes some things more interesting and beautiful than others.”
“I like to recognize familiarity of people, place, and scene in a painting. This is what makes a work of art more worthwhile for me – familiar scenes…add a touch more than just the quality of the art.”
Mike Rider with wife, Susan
“Tales from Three Cities: Santa Barbara, Managua, and Addis Ababa” showing through April 25, 2014 at
Divine Inspiration Gallery of Fine Art
1528 State Street, Santa Barbara
mikeriderwatercolor.com
Susan Wennerstrom | W designs 
Beautiful!