Ruth Bivens is April artist of the month at RRAA. She says “art” brings happiness to her life. She enjoys painting landscapes, flowers, and family. She began painting at 25 when a friend gave her a set of oils. Now almost everyday she paints or takes photos of subjects to paint.

Born in Corpus Christi, TX , Ruth has also lived in Virginia and Indiana. Now Louisiana is home for her and her husband. Together they have 7 children and 15 grandchildren.

Ruth received her Bachelors Degree at Nicholls State University and Masters from LSU. Now a retired school teacher, she has more time to devote to her painting. She prefers oils, but also paints with acrylics and pastels. She enjoys taking art workshops and weekly painting lessons.

She and her husband have traveled a lot throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, Africa, and 45 states in the USA. When traveling she always visits museums and enjoys the art of other cultures. She also has accumulated a collection of photographs that will keep her painting forever. Photography is a source of great fun and necessity for Ruth. She claims she cannot paint without an example of what she wants to create in front of her. "Art is the most enjoyable thing God has given me and I am in love with art!" asserts Ruth.