Jo Reitze FVAS (Mrs de Carteret) creates small works alongside her major paintings. ‘Blooming Beautiful’ presents a glorious array of these smaller gouache flower and garden studies plus a few in pen. These joyous works, inspired by nature, are freely executed with lyrical mark-making to capture the essence of her subjects. Most have been painted on location, ‘en plein air’ or from direct observation. However, since COVID some have also been inspired by her iPad photographs. Like Monet, Jo often returns to the same subjects. Works are often presented in pairs or groups. Jo finds that black frames enhance the vibrancy of her oeuvre, enabling the viewer to focus on each work as if looking through a window. She also enjoys the sustainable practice of upcycling frames.

Banner Image: 'Orchids 2', Gouache on board by Jo Reitze FVAS