David Rite

I am a dedicated artist, published author, and instructor with a lifelong passion for helping others discover beauty, purpose, and their own creative potential. Born in California and raised in Georgia, I have the California drive and the Southern charm, the best of both worlds. I came from an academically accomplished and upright family which imbued their children with a love for the humanities that valued beauty, education, and integrity. From an early age, I was captivated by the classical arts and found myself drawn to anything that encouraged creativity, curiosity, self-discovery, and self-expression. In my youth, I had always helped others and strived to inspire all those around me. Art quickly became more than a skill or a pastime — it became the lens through which I experience, understand, and celebrate life. To me it is more than art, it is life.

At a young age, I saw much needless suffering and pain throughout the world and witnessing hardship inspired me to search for answers about the human experience and to explore how compassion, service, and perspective can transform lives. Throughout my life, I studied diligently to find answers as to why humanity can be so cruel. I sought to understand not only the beauty of the world, but also the pain that so many people carry. I wanted to ease the pain and suffering seen so prevalent. I have seen many petitions for relief go unanswered because of people’s unwillingness to share; whether in compassion, understanding, or monetary contributions. I believe that while pain is an unavoidable part of life, suffering can often be eased through hope, understanding, and the willingness to care for one another. I see that challenges arise when selfish desires override the ability to do good, it stirs the “evil” in the hearts of humankind and causes pain and unnecessary suffering to those who are in need.

Enlightenment came as I pondered upon this matter. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is choice. I saw that life is pain; yes, however I grew to understand that suffering is a choice and that it can be eased by the right frame of mind. Moreover, with assistance from others willing to do that which is necessary to bring comfort, joy, and peace can make all the difference to the lives of those in pain. I have long embraced the approach of philosopher John Stuart Mill, in his 1867 inaugural address at the University of St. Andrews when he stated: "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." I continue to share the sentiments of Edmund Burke's timeless reminder, in his albeit misquote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," is more accurate in his description. However, I have observed that the silence of good men is not the only thing essential for the triumph of evil and suffering to prevail. 

The people advancing evil must be fierce and resolute; and the indifferent must be either herded into submission or willing to go along for the moment because evil seems to be prosperous. Burke’s whole quote exposes the truth of humankinds’ situation on the true “evil”, “When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle... That duty demands and requires that what is right should not only be made known but made prevalent; that what is evil should not only be detected but defeated.” Therefore, the “evil” is not merely good people doing nothing but demands action and the complete elimination of evil in order for good to triumph, thusly ending the suffering. 

This belief continues to inspire my commitment to volunteerism, education, and instructing others. Because each one of us can be a Hero or Heroine in our own unique way by helping others. This has assisted me in my life, believing that the absolute truth really does set you free, from suffering. These ideals have inspired me to do this work, because not all Hero’s wear capes! 

Life, to me, is an extraordinary adventure, each moment a new beginning filled with endless opportunities to experience, learn, share, grow, explore, and create. I approach each day with curiosity and gratitude, believing that every experience offers a lesson worth discovering. One quotation that has remained with me since my youth comes from William Shakespeare's Hamlet: “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” I have found that looking at every situation through innocent childlike eyes; with wonder, openness and excitement — with this perspective makes learning and growing easier. With childlike curiosity as your window in which to view life, this will shape your world into whatever you wish it to be — for you are exactly where you want to be — if you are not where you want to be — change it. Growth begins when we remain willing to explore the unknown. I think this will advance anyone in becoming their best self and will give joy in this adventure, called life. So, make your world shine, for all those to see.

I have always viewed life from a unique perspective. I see life a little differently than most people. I possess the innate ability to see what others cannot see or grasp what lays beneath the surface of the human condition. I am fascinated by the everyday experience and by the remarkable beauty woven into the human journey. Because of my vantage point, I am able to see life in all of its wonderful and intricate details and through the classical arts, I seek to capture those moments of truth, hope, and inspiration. Through my art I am inviting others to pause, reflect, and discover beauty both around them and within themselves. 

My work is not simply about creating art — it is about helping others reconnect with their authentic selves through creativity, self-expression, and meaningful experiences. The unique beauty of life, seen through the classical arts, is how I see our existence and use it as a way for that expression. 

My pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey. I continue to study philosophy, the humanities, spirituality, and the beauty of creation, believing that wisdom grows through both knowledge and experience. These studies have strengthened my conviction to help awaken people everywhere to the simple truth that there is beauty all around, if beauty is found within. By cultivating discipline, integrity, and purpose, we not only become better artists — we become better people. All this can be accomplished through self-mastery, self-expression, and by following exacting principles. My goal is to help others discover their authentic selves and awaken to the realization that creativity is one of humanity's greatest gifts.

As an instructor, I look to give illumination through education, and I believe education is one of the most powerful ways to lighten your load and enlighten your life. My mission is to create an encouraging environment where artists of every age and ability can develop confidence, master timeless artistic principles, and experience the joy of creating. Using the Rite principles will bring mastery over oneself and a sense of fulfillment in life. Learning becomes even more meaningful when it is shared, and one of my greatest privileges is watching students grow in both skill and confidence. Through the Rite Principles, I encourage others to embrace excellence, strong character, and lifelong learning as foundations for both artistic and personal success. It is important to learn the correct principles of art and then pass on the information so that others can find enjoyment and accomplishment in their life, too.

One of my guiding beliefs comes from Napoleon Hill: "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." I often remind my students that, "The more you understand and experience, the more you can imagine. When you believe in your potential, you open the door to imagination, inspiration, and limitless creativity. Achieving anything is possible because there is no limit to what You Can create."  Those words are more than encouragement — they are the foundation of my life's work and the inspiration behind the You Can series.

I invite you to join me on this artistic adventure where together we can explore timeless principles, discover the beauty that surrounds us, develop our creative gifts, and inspire one another to become the very best versions of ourselves. After all, art is more than something we create; Together we can penetrate an exciting world of imagination because it is a wonderful way — the only way — of seeing, living, and celebrating life.

So, join us now and follow along on this, Epic Artistic Creative Journey!