Kay Palmer (1944–2015)
Kay Palmer was born in Blenheim New Zealand in 1944 educated at Wairarapa College before moving to Whanganui. Her painting career began in Auckland in the early 1970’s with a small body of experimental work. Kay then returned to Whanganui in the early 1980’s where she began to paint in the expressive and vibrant manner for which she has become well known. Kay subsequently spent many years painting in Pukawa and then the Acacia Bay area of Lake Taupo where she produced some of her most stunning and vibrant works. Kay’s work focuses on the beauty and objects she sees in everyday life around her.
Kay was particularly prolific during the New Zealand Academy exhibitions of the 80’s and her work was frequently featured amongst the award winners. During this time Kay won the Turoa Art awards oil painting award, also their open section award and the following year the Turoa Premier Art Award. Kay also won the Tauranga Avenue One, Originality in Colour Award and was been an invited guest artist at the Ashburton Art Awards. Kay was a regular exhibitor at Black Door Gallery in Parnell, Auckland.
Kay’s work took her to Europe on three occasions where she painted throughout Southern France the canal districts of Burgundy, Holland and the southern counties of England. Her work is held in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada and Europe.
