Richard Higham

Richard Higham is an Auckland-based painter whose acrylic works explore the colour, structure and atmosphere of New Zealand landscapes and botanical environments.
Working primarily on large-scale canvas, Higham draws inspiration from coastal vegetation, cultivated gardens, native flora and the shifting light of the New Zealand environment. His paintings balance observation with painterly interpretation, using layered acrylic surfaces, expressive mark-making and heightened colour to create works that are both immersive and contemplative.
Rather than documenting specific locations, the paintings evoke remembered experiences of place — the density of foliage, reflected light, seasonal change and the emotional resonance of natural environments.
After many years of sustained studio practice, Higham’s work reflects an ongoing engagement with the relationship between landscape, memory and atmosphere within contemporary New Zealand painting.