Jo Reitze

Jo Reitze has an Exhibition titled 'Celebrating Life in Gouache, Oil and Pen' with her larger works in the VAS Hammond, McCubbin and Frater Galleries from 1 July–13 July 2021.

Jo Reitze FVAS painting Annie's garden in gouache 2019

'I have always painted, encouraged at school by my Art Teacher, Katy Hemley and facilitated by my College Lecturer, Bill Harding. Early success in country art shows enticed me to set goals and maintain my practice while teaching full time. Overseas travel and study at the Paris American Academy in 1979 revitalised me for my return to Melbourne to teach, paint and engage with artists. I was a VAS Council Member from 1981–1989, until my husband’s devastating car accident. Concurrently, I was gaining prominence with several prizes and acquisitions for Civic Collections including the City of Melbourne following my VAS Lord Mayor’s Prize.

Until recently I worked outside for all but small works. In the early 80s, in inclement weather, without a studio and the urgent need for a new painting, I discovered I could paint my garden from the back porch. There I discovered colour and was hooked. From then garden and flower paintings dominated my oeuvre. Later, after house extensions, such immortalised paintings became the catalyst for Jo Reitze paints your Garden, where I paint gardens on commission. Like Monet, I often depict the same scene in different seasons. In 1988, I was fortunate to paint at Giverny. These were among my first paintings in gouache. Since, I have used this medium alongside my oils. Over the years I have used smaller brushes and in 2010, I also started drawing in fine-liners and markers.

Throughout my life I have painted dynamic, coastal impressions at Ocean Grove, mostly in school holidays. Last year the ‘Windswept Trees’ at Ocean Grove beach became my ISO Project. Far from the sea, I recreated these remarkable, resilient trees in paint and pen.

My Art teaching career culminated in twenty years Coordinating Art at Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College. Since retiring early 2007, I have painted numerous gardens including twenty for Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre (SHNC) ‘Beyond the Garden Wall’ Project, and many as Artist in Residence at Cloudehill or commissions. I was President of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors (MSWPS), and am a committee member. Exhibitions include ‘Sea Air’ at Geelong Gallery 2009 and ‘The Artist’s Garden’ 2013 as invited artist at Whitehorse Artspace. 

I have been the recipient of several prizes including twice for MSWPS awards, Best in Shows at Ocean Grove and Bacchus Marsh as well as numerous commendations and shortlisting in selected exhibitions.

I am thrilled to be a Finalist in the prestigious 'Geelong Contemporary Art Prize 2021’—one of twenty-eight from over six hundred applicants. 

See my episode of Put Colour in your Life.

See my paintings evolve on Instagram.

Thanks to all at VAS and others who have been supportive of my artistic endeavours over the decades.'
 
Jo Reitze FVAS
July 2021