About Me

Sarah’s work can be found in several galleries throughout NZ and she has recently exhibited at the NZ Art Show in June 2021.

Artist CV

My Work

Portfolio

Sarah Godfrey

I have been painting since a young age and the mountains around my home have always influenced my subject matter. We live in the beautiful countryside of Westland, New Zealand, where green paddocks meet the towering Southern Alps.

I concentrate on colour, texture and mood in my paintings and I try to capture the feeling of a place. The landscape constantly changes and the mood can change in an instant. I photograph my subject matter first and make quick sketches to catch that moment. Then I start the painting by layering the canvas with tissue paper, usually recycled dress patterns, then layers of light paint washes to give the painting a translucency. I often leave a hint of the dress pattern lines visible to show how the painting is constructed.

My favourite places to paint are Milford Sounds and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland. This landscape is so dramatic that one can get lost in the beauty of the place and people become so insignificant against it.

I completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at Otago Polytechnic in 2003. I then went on to work in the field of colour consultancy and sales working in such places as Resene, Timeless Tiles and SpazioCasa. After 14 years I have returned to the family farm and I live in a lovely old farm house with my partner and son. I have a tiny sunroom turned studio to paint in that looks out onto the inspiring mountains that I love.

Education

Diploma in Design and Decoration Level 5

Open Polytechnic

2014 – 2019

Papers completed toward Bachelor of Design (Interiors)

Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin

2008

Certificate of Fashion Design

Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin

2006

Certificate of Small Business Management

Te Wananga O Aotearoa

2005

BFA

Otago Polytechnic School of Art, Dunedin

2000 – 2003

Solo Shows

‘A Place To Go’

Pea Sea Art Gallery, Port Chalmers, Dunedin

July 2021

‘Landscapes’

Carnegie Gallery, Hokitika, 12 paintings oil on canvas

June 2007

Awards

Derivan Painting Award

Otago , Dunedin

2003

Year 13 Painting and Printmaking Prize

Westland High School, Hokitika

1999

Featured In Art Edit Magazine. Spring 2019

Brought up on a farm in the rural community of Kowhitirangi on the Westcoast of the South Island, New Zealand, Sarah Godfrey concentrates on colour, texture and mood through her paintings. Having previously spent time in the interior design industry, today Godfrey loves working outside on the farm which is a constant source of inspiration for her painting practice. Her paintings are often layered to give a sense of translucency to the landscapes and places she depicts.

Milford Shadow. Mixed media on canvas, 71 x 56 cm