We were sad to hear the news that Judith Gardner NEAC RBA died on 14 February 2025. Our deepest sympathy to Judith’s friends and family, especially her husband Colin who worked for a time as NEAC Treasurer.
Judith was elected to the NEAC in 2009 and was also a member of the RBA and the Small Paintings Group. She was a regular exhibitor at our Annual Exhibitions and she will be greatly missed by her fellow members, some of whom share their memories and tributes below...
Peter Brown:
"Judith was such a very kind person. She was always a joy to chat with on the occasions we met at the Annual Exhibition. She and Colin seemed such a happy couple, often together, made for each other perhaps. One of my last (slightly bizarre) memories of bumping into them was at the back of Mall Galleries. They brought a lunch box from the car and offered me one of their sandwiches which says it all. Judith’s paintings are beautiful. She sensitively played in the light of the gloaming. Whenever I see a winter afternoon's light fade, I think of her – particularly when there is a covering of snow on the ground. We will all miss her greatly."
Mary Jackson:
"I always enjoyed a chat with Judith at the NEAC shows. She was so modest about her beautiful, colourful, 'still' paintings. She had her own combinations of colours. Her paintings were often from her garden or nearby, and the sky was very much a fascination for her. We will miss exhibiting her work and my love and sympathies to Colin."
Daniel Shadbolt:
"I first met Judith at Art in Action and instantly had a great respect for her work. Those deeply atmospheric pictures with moons that she could magically paint, and the wonderful drawing in her many sketchbooks which made a huge and lasting impression on me. She was a consummate artist with a unique and powerful voice in her handling. I love her paintings."
Patrick Cullen:
"Like Daniel, I first met Judith at Art in Action. She was a lovely gentle soul and these qualities ran through all her paintings. They invariably evoked a gorgeous stillness and a tranquil atmosphere, typically as the light faded and the moon rose over a garden undisturbed by human presence. But they always skirted sentimentality and repetition, even though she returned to this and similar subjects many times. Hers was a unique talent and she will be sorely missed at the NEAC."
Bridget Milne:
"I've known Judith not only from the NEAC but also the RBA where she served for many years as Hon. Secretary giving unstintingly of her time. She was very approachable, diligent and gentle. Her beautiful paintings reflected a quiet stillness, grounded in observation – pared-down visions of misty Kent landscapes and gardens. She subtly captured that peace, often nocturnal, end-of-the-day solitude; or the quiet of snow with often the motif of a misted sun or moon. On a personal note, Judith was so kind to me when I confided in her that I was awaiting a diagnosis of a serious illness and was quite frankly terrified. She took me to one side and managed to calm me down with her steady and gentle advice which helped me so much and for which I am forever grateful."
FURTHER READING
- A Eulogy for Judith Gardner by James Horton PPRBA on the RBA website
- View Judith's NEAC artist profile page