Rita Letendre (b.1928) is one of Canada’s leading female abstract painters. 

While Letendre was associated with Les Automatistes in Montreal (which included Borduas, Riopelle amongst others) she established her reputation with her unique style of painting that combined hard-edge abstraction with color field aesthetics. 

We are particularly interested in her work once she met, and then married, the sculptor  in the mid-1960s. Together they seem to evolve simultaneously, each artist influencing the other. 

Letendre's "Arrow" or "Chevron" paintings ("Christmas Card" here is a paradigm) have a sleek geometry shared by Kosso Eloul. 

Letendre's compositions and bold palettes are instantly recognizable and have an undeniable uplifting energy.

This painting from 1971 is an exceptional example of the artist's work from her prime period of hard-edge abstraction.

Nearly every major institution in Canada has examples of her work in their permanent collections including the National Gallery, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Questions about this artwork?  or call 1.416.704.1720.

Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.

Untitled "Purple Xmas Card"

Canada, 1971

Acrylic on paper

Signed, dated, and inscribed by the artist

6.5"H 9.5"W (work)

Framed in a plexiglass box

Very good condition.