Premio Combat Prize

My name is Tanya Marie Reeves and I am a Professional Artist from outback Australia, self-taught, flourishing from a natural talent, an exceptional eye, passion and dedication.
My artwork predominantly consists of saturated acrylics, exhibiting brilliant block colour and striking contrast, the sensual curves of the female body and the faultless lines of geometry and pattern; With hand and brush only, I achieve beautiful unyielding saturation while exhibiting a meticulous sense of order. I then apply layer upon layer of colour achieving beautiful unyielding saturation and impeccable print-like quality.
Periodically I will include textiles and alternate mixed media in my artwork, the choreography of such resulting in the perfect combination of stimulating texture and divergence.
Acacia
“Her modesty should never be mistaken for lack of courage. Her beauty never limited by colour or creed, nor her humble posture or loving heart given for weakness. She is quietly fearless with sharp senses and lightening prowess. She will never be bound by territory or pride nor quieted by trickery or indignity. She is a portrayal of grace and resilience, and with both empathy and fortitude on her side, she will shine.”
Acacia is named for the Umbrella Thorn Acacia, one of the most recognisable trees of the African savanna. A haven for cheetahs, often portrayed sprawled along its’ branches to beat the harsh sunlight. The tree is as robust as they come, growing in sand dunes and rocky grounds of Africa’s grasslands in areas with annual rainfall as low as 4 cm. This tree can survive the most scorching temperatures during the day, and freezing temperatures at nights.
I’m a huge fan of this demure portrait pose, her body language showing a soft vulnerability and yet with her shoulder exposed, the opportunity to represent her contrasting characteristics. This time I have chosen the cheetah, symbolising her strength of self, her swiftness, her fearlessness and diplomacy as well as her empathy and protection.