Judi Soutar is a versatile and experienced artist based in Kerikeri, with a lifelong passion for painting and drawing. Born in London, she chose extra art and technical drawing classes over traditional subjects and completed her first (unpaid) commission; a mural for her school entrance hall. She began her career in technical illustration with the Patents Office in London and later worked in advertising, architecture, studio pottery, and even served a stint in the Fleet Air Arm; all while maintaining her connection to the arts.
After running her own printing business in Auckland, Judi retired early in 1986 and returned to painting full-time. She became a member of a cooperative gallery, where her artworks consistently sold to local and international collectors, government institutions, and art lovers alike. Judi has also been a strong advocate for the arts, organising numerous exhibitions for local and national artists.
Working across oil, acrylic, watercolour, and coloured pencil, Judi’s work ranges from graphic design to classical and traditional painting influenced by the Dutch Masters. Occasionally, she even produces humorous “genuine fakes.” She describes her approach as painting purely for enjoyment; her own and that of her viewers; rather than following any fixed style or philosophy.
Click on the images below to see enlargements of Judi's work.
Judi Soutar will be exhibiting at stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!
