MSWPS Featured Artist - JO REITZE

'In Kamesburgh Gardens', pen on paper. THE JO BENNETT WORK ON PAPER AWARD

Judges Comment: We were impressed by the liveliness of the linework which brings an incredible freshness to the subject matter. The contrast of black and white provides a strong graphic sensibility to the image, providing an interesting parallel to photography.

Artist statement: 'In Kamesburgh Gardens' Since 2010, pen drawings, in fineliners and permanent markers have been an important part of my oeuvre.  Gardens, flower studies and coastal landscapes, including windswept trees, Pine windbreaks and the wetlands, have been my main subjects, either drawn from direct observation or inspired by my iPad photographs. I draw freely without preparatory grids. I hold my pen high to maximize wrist movement, often using continuous lines. Mistakes are unable to be erased. At best they can be hidden. Therefore, I am capturing the essence rather than directly copying what I observe. Tones are mostly built up with scribble. I like to use a full range of tones from black to white to create the greatest impact. This drawing, 'In Kamesburgh Gardens' depicts a different aspect of these historic formal gardens. It features standard roses surrounded by clipped hedges and mature trees. Established as a private garden in the 1870s, it is now a public space for all to enjoy. This shady oasis show the foresight of our early settlers. My drawing is well designed with the dark verticals of the foreground rose stakes and the dramatic background Cedar, counterbalanced by the white path and the diagonal lines of the hedged border. Unlike the coloured varieties in my painting these roses are white, their form emphasized by the myriad of grey foliage. My drawing is a celebration of Kamesburgh Gardens in black, white and grey.