THE ART OF
About
Greetings dear readers.
I’m Joan Gestro but better known as Joan O’Connor to art lovers and art buyers. Forgive me for being bold enough to say that I was born creative; with an awareness, early in life, of colour, forms, structures and moods that surround me. This awareness, in time; prompts a creative mind to express with ease and self-satisfaction.
My
Story
Artists
Quarter
In Auckland, where I used to live, I had formed the above group of exhibiting artists, securing venues and holding very successful exhibitions.
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I have held many workshops in Auckland and now in the Bay of Plenty. I belong to the Tauranga Society of Artists, from where I’ve had successful exhibitions, winning trophies and awards. I’m also a member of the Mount Art Group based in Mount Maunganui. I have exhibited in Auckland galleries, amongst them; Lopdell House, Limn Gallery, James Gallery. I have also exhibited in the Royal Easter Show in Auckland, sold and gained the ‘Special Category Award’
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I paint on commission and also hold workshops in Tauranga. You’ll find me every day in my home studio; I get edgy when I’m not painting or drawing! Thankfully this doesn’t happen too often as I crave to get back to my happy space where I can be found dressed in my ‘Coat of many Colours’ . I love teaching my skill, having held many fun and successful workshops in the past 20 years.
Please enjoy the images of my paintings and contact me for more information about paintings that are available for purchase. I’ll be glad to hear from you.
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Cheers for now.
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Joan O’Connor- Gestro
My creative journey began with pencil, charcoal, progressing to paint in all its forms, eventually channelling me deep into an artistic, creative journey. Although I have worked in all media, these days, it’s mainly acrylic, pen and ink, pastel, enjoying the use of transparency of colour, depth and textures that one can achieve with some, if not all, of these medias. I love bold colour and use it without reserve or hesitation. Therefore, one can describe my work as impressionistic because of my use of abstract colours.
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My deep interest in Art, initially had begun early in life and imagination and creativity has over the years made me bold enough to use bold colours without apologies; their use makes a painting come to life, creates emotion, excitement, enticing the viewer deep into a journey to explore within the painting.
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I’ve had private exhibitions, also exhibited in galleries. I have won awards and trophies.
My work has sold to New Zealand buyers, also in Japan, the United States, Malta, Greece, Italy and Australia.
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