J K Reed
New Zealand Water-colour Artist JK Reed is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading landscape water-colourist, with works sold through-out Australasia and the United States of America.
In 1996 Keith Reed was sponsored by Fisher’s Fine Arts of Christchurch to undertake a painting and study trip to England, France and Venice. As a result his paintings now show a variety of influences from well-known tourist locations that include fishing villages, city scenes and cafe’s, Venice waterways and local New Zealand landscape.
Born in England and emigrating to Dunedin in 1954, Keith Reed attended school at Otago Boys’ High. When only sixteen he held his first exhibition in which three-quarters of the works displayed were sold.
He moved to Christchurch in the early 1960s to attend the University Of Canterbury School Of Fine Arts, attaining his Diploma of Fine Arts in 1968. During this time he held many exhibitions through-out the South Island.
In 1969 Keith Reed started teaching, and after a year’s leave of absence in 1974 to visit galleries overseas, returned to develop a successful career as an artist.
His calendar series, depicting street scenes around the world are held by such notable persons as President Bill Clinton, NZ. Prime Minister Helen Clark, Jenny Shipley and are displayed in numerous galleries in New Zealand and overseas.
The abstract works developed from Art School influence and a keen interest in figurative and Cubistic painting. The medium of oil paint was a contrast to watercolour during those early years.
