Judi Parkinson Original Artwork

For Judi Parkinson, art has been a lifelong source of curiosity, creativity and connection. As an only child, she found endless joy in drawing and painting, preferring to create her own worlds rather than colour within the lines. Decades later, a granddaughter's spontaneous message, "Grandma's World," written on her studio blackboard perfectly captured what art has always meant to Judi, a place of imagination, exploration and belonging.

Since the early 1970s, Judi has continually refined her practice through studio workshops, university studies and lifelong learning. Alongside raising her family, she worked as a freelance illustrator, producing pen-and-ink drawings, architectural illustrations and commercial artwork for businesses and government projects. These experiences strengthened her technical skills and deepened her understanding of composition, perspective and visual storytelling, laying the foundation for the artist she is today.

Working in an impressionist style, Judi creates expressive landscapes inspired by her own photographs, sketches and memories. While grounded in real places, her paintings are carefully reimagined, simplifying or repositioning elements to strengthen the composition and capture the atmosphere of a moment rather than its exact appearance. Light, colour and emotion take precedence over detail, inviting viewers to step into each landscape and experience it for themselves.

Nature is at the heart of Judi's practice. She is particularly inspired by the beauty of trees, the changing effects of sunlight and weather, the presence of birds and wildlife, and the rich colours of the Australian landscape. Her travels, especially through the Australian Outback, continue to shape her work, providing endless inspiration through its unique light, flora and expansive scenery.

Influenced by the Impressionist movement and artists including David Hockney, Vincent van Gogh, Grace Cossington Smith, Margaret Olley and Gustav Klimt, Judi has developed a practice that is both deeply personal and continually evolving. Her years as an art educator have also played an important role in her creative journey, with the curiosity and enthusiasm of her students continually inspiring her to keep learning and exploring.

Through her paintings, Judi hopes to create a sense of happiness, familiarity and connection. Whether reminding viewers of a cherished place, evoking treasured memories or simply inviting them to pause and appreciate the beauty of colour and light, her work is designed to leave a lasting emotional impression.