Kelli Booth Artist : Riverhead Studio
Kia Ora Hello
Kelli Booth – Contemporary New Zealand Landscape Artist
Kelli Booth is a New Zealand artist of Ngāpuhi descent, whose work reflects a deep connection to whenua (land) and the quiet, often overlooked moments within the natural environment. Based in Auckland, her paintings are inspired by the rugged beauty of the west coast—its dark sands, weathered rock formations, and reflective tidal edges.
Working primarily in watercolour, Kelli creates layered, atmospheric pieces that balance control with the natural fluidity of the medium. Her work is defined by a strong sense of composition and a focus on clarity—often centred around a single dominant form such as a rock, shoreline, or reflective surface. Through this approach, she invites the viewer to pause and engage with the subtle details of the landscape.
Her connection to place is informed not only by observation, but by a cultural understanding of land as something lived with rather than simply viewed. This perspective underpins the quiet, grounded nature of her work, where attention is given to the subtle relationships between water, light, and form.
Kelli’s recent recognition in national exhibitions, including a Gold Award at the Splash National Watercolour Exhibition and selection for the Otago National Art Awards, reflects the growing strength and consistency of her practice. Her work sits within a contemporary movement of New Zealand artists who are reinterpreting landscape through a more focused, personal lens.
Each painting is produced as an original work or as a limited-edition giclée print, carefully reproduced on archival materials to ensure longevity. Editions are strictly limited, reinforcing the collectable nature of each piece.
Kelli’s work is held in private collections and is available for acquisition directly and through selected exhibitions. Studio visits may be arranged by appointment.
Available Works
A curated selection of original paintings and limited editions is available to view and purchase. New works are released in small collections throughout the year.
Exhibitions & Awards
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Gold Award – Splash National Watercolour Exhibition
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Selected Artist – Otago National Art Awards
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Finalist – Cleveland National Art Awards
Contact / Enquiries
For purchase enquiries, commissions, or exhibition opportunities, please get in touch directly.
Ngā mihi
Kelli Booth
Visual Arts Cert MIT
Film & Television Cert UNITEC
My Story
I live just north of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland in Aotearoa/New Zealand, in a run-down old vicarage that I moved onto a piece of land beside the Rangitopuni River, a tributary of the Waitematā Harbour. I’m so fortunate to still look over a rural landscape as the city marches relentlessly towards me, with the construction of endless Lego houses that gobble up farmland at an alarming rate.
I have been an artist for over 30 years.
I have always loved drawing, painting and music. My career started with oils and pastels which are far more forgiving than watercolour. This a medium that has to planned and executed carefully, you only have one chance with watercolour but this is where the magic happens with the unpredictability of the pigments mixing with water and seeing what unfolds before your eyes.
I have a Visual Arts Cert from MIT Auckland and a Film and Television Cert from UNITEC. This took me to film, as I love imagery and storytelling. I diversified to writing and freelance editing. My first career was in education and for the past 18 years, I’ve been privileged to be involved in mentoring young children in the Montessori preschool I established in my local community. Every day it's a joy to see little souls unfolding, and their pure love for life is invigorating.