OCKENDEN, GWEN (1911-2003)

“White Roses” (c.1930)
Watercolour
26 x 25cm
Signed lower left
*private collection, Melbourne
 
Ockenden was a respected New Zealand Modernist. Born in Wellington, she studied art at the Elim Art School under Christopher Perkins whose influence is reflected in her work. She later continued her studies in Christchurch. A few of her later paintings have been signed in her married name. Most of her life was spent in the Gisborne area where her husband taught and retired as a school headmaster. She was not a prolific artist - estimated 50 to 100 works as she was a reputed restorer and devoted a huge amount of time to restorations. She painted (mainly landscape and floral) until 1996. This beauty is from a private collection in Melbourne.