His art encompasses watercolours, oil painting, sculpture, wood carving, cartooning and 3d printing.
The winner of numerous prizes in painting and sculpture he believes in sharing his experiences and giving back to the art community. His frequent popular demonstrations and workshops in both fields are filled with displays of examples of his work, an abundance of anecdotes and tips and a no nonsense, straight talking approach. He is frequently called upon to judge art shows and open exhibitions.
He says he is proud to be a Life Member, a Fellow and former Director of the oldest continuously operating art society in Australia – the Royal South Australian Society of Arts.
In 2012, with the help of like minded artists, he founded the South Australian Watercolour Society with the aim of promoting the appreciation and practice of watercolour painting.
“My art reflects my long held concerns about animal conservation and habitat destruction. I enjoy doing demonstrations, conducting workshops and teaching courses in animal and portrait painting and generally increasing public awareness and appreciation of good portraiture, realist art and environmental issues.”
Exhibitions and Awards St Peters Cathedral Art Show 1st Prize overall 2015, 2011 & 2008, 1st Prize Section 2017, 2005
Royal South Australian Society of Art Exhibitions (numerous awards)
Solar Art Prize 2014 1st Prize Works on Paper
Solar Art Prize 2013 1st Prize Oil and Acrylic Section
Heysen Streetscape Competition 1st Prize 2010
Tea Tree Gully Lions Art Competition 2013 1st Prize overall;
2014 1st Prize Sculpture, 2nd Prize Watercolour
2018 First Prize Overall, 2n Prize Sculpture
Rotary Club Exhibitions
Port Adelaide 1st Prize 2008/9, Equal 1st 2005/6, 2nd 2007/8, 2nd 2014/15, 2nd 2010/11, Merit 2016
Campbelltown 1st Prize 2010, merit 2017, 2018, merit and people’s choice 2011,
minor prize 2007
Clare 1st Prize sculpture 2018, 2017, 2014, 2007, Commendation 2010,
2 Commendations in painting 2018
Walkerville 2nd Prize 2010 & people’s choice, merit 2017
Shirley Hannan Portrait Prize, Bega NSW – Finalist 2008
Bald Archy - Finalist exhibition 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015
Gawler Art Award 1st Prize 2005, 2008, 2012; 1ST Prize watercolour 2010;
Section prizes 2006 & 2007
Adelaide Freemasons Merit Awards 2007
Burra Portrait Prize 2014 Merit Award
Port Community Art Show, 1st prize 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011 & 2010, 3rd prize 2012
also merit awards and people’s choice 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Kidman Art Prize 2nd prize overall 2015, Commendation 2017
ArtsNorth (formerly Elizabeth Art Society) 1st Prize 2016, 2017
Juried into the Inaugural International Watercolour Society, Canada Branch,
Biennale July 2016
Walkerville Rotary Art Show 2017 & 2018 Commendation
Glenside Lions Art Exhibition 2018 2nd Prize
Publications Australian Artist Magazine 12 page article Jun 2018
Australian Artist Magazine May 2018
Australian Artist Magazine Aug 2017
Australian Artist Magazine 12 page article Oct 2009
The Artist (UK Art Magazine) 3 page article Oct 2010
Facebook Gerhard Ritter
Blogsite ritterart.blogspot.com.au