Jo Reitze
Geelong Conservatory 2021
oil on linen
Reproduced courtesy of the artist

Jo Reitze
Geelong Conservatory 2021
oil on linen
Reproduced courtesy of the artist


Jo Reitze


Jo Reitze
Australian, born 1950; lives and works in Melbourne

Geelong Conservatory 2021
oil on linen
Courtesy of the artist

Artist statement:

Geelong Conservatory captures the leafy oasis of the recently refurbished glasshouse in the Geelong Botanic Gardens. My painting encloses the viewer in a beautiful environment in which to contemplate. The large overlapping frond, seen from a close vantage point, invites further exploration of the mysterious beyond. Recognizable, luxuriant tropical plants, such as bromeliads and the Japanese laurel are differentiated by pattern, textures, and tone while other distant shapes are harder to discern. Restful green hues dominate and unify the composition while the small touches of warm, vibrant pinks and crimsons provide balance. Strong tonal contrasts create depth and enhance the vibrancy of the colours.

The essence of the scene is captured with freely executed lyrical mark making achieved by applying the oil paint with small flat Taklon brushes. Yet this painting is more than a visual record. It is a celebration of the restorative powers of nature.