Geoff Ruthe

Geoff was late-comer to the art world, when at the age of sixty-five he commenced a four-year programme at the Browne School of Art, having never previously attempted painting. He describes this experience as a journey from ‘terror to exhilaration’. He is primarily a painter of landscapes, who endeavours to reflect the impact upon him of familiar and loved environments. Geoff has spent much of his life living in rural areas and has made a slow migration up the west coast: Temaika/Kawhia, Raglan and now Kaipara (Whakapirau).

Artists of influence for Geoff are Scottish artist Joan Eardley (1921-1963), NZ artist Catherine Brough, and contemporary UK artists Louise Balaam and Deborah Tarr. These painters all display a free-flowing, dynamic and expressive style and use of colour that resonates for Geoff.

Geoff’s paintings tend to be characterised by gestural brushstrokes, colour and shape, as well as repeated layering and eroding of the canvas surface to indicate energy and movement, and to speak to the heart of what it means to be part of that particular environment. The materiality of the paint itself, is important to the artist.

Geoff leaves his paintings open to interpretation by the viewer, and trusts the paintings resonate for viewers in some way.

2021 – Gordon Harris Painting Award

2022 – Kaipara Artist of the Year Award