Biography

“I am compelled to paint people, as I believe no other subject is more complex, emotive and thought provoking than the human being. I paint with a focus on capturing the inner person using expression, light play and detail. It is important to me that every painting evokes connection and a realization of common humanity between the painted and the viewer.

Through my Ethiopia series I wanted to portray the raw beauty of people who live a more simple and organic life, my own personal beliefs also have strong roots in Ethiopia and are therefore a peoples whom I share an important connection with. There is an essence in their expressions which so clearly represents the recognition of hope and purpose that we all have opportunity to grasp, and this is what I endeavor to portray in my works above all else.”

Rebekah Codlin is a 27 yr old self-taught artist based in Marlborough, recognized for her distinctive realist portraiture and figurative works in oils. 

Represented by Freeman Gallery – Santa Fe USA as well as Black Door Gallery – Parnell, Auckland, Central Art – Queenstown and The Gallery Havelock, Rebekah’s works can be found in collectors homes across New Zealand and internationally. Her paintings have been popular among fine art collectors, decor designers, investors, art enthusiasts and every day people alike. 

Rebekah’s artistic career began at age 16 when she started practicing her art seriously and was driven to become a fine artist. After exhibiting her works locally with much positive reception, Rebekah was invited for her first solo exhibition where she sold her first portrait painted at age 17 for $10’000, attracting a wide audience in the media and collector interest.

   

Having been correspondence schooled, Rebekah had the flexibility to practice fine art, dance and guitar amongst her studies. In addition to painting full time, she also ran a non-profit dance school Street Dance Federation for 2 years with her sister in Blenheim, teaching over 85 students in the evenings, and also taught 40 guitar students weekly.

Rebekah has been selected as a finalist in several competitions and awarded a number of residencies, including a 4 year residency from age 18 with Brancott Estate Winery in Blenheim as well as Highfield Estate Winery. Rebekah is an avid supporter of charities and often donates works to fundraising auctions. She is also a big supporter of budding artists, regularly giving in-depth advice on how to navigate the art world successfully.

Please enjoy browsing Rebekah’s gallery of paintings . If you would like exclusive special offers on Rebekah’s latest originals and limited edition prints you can sign up to her monthly newsletter here. Feel free to contact Rebekah to purchase an original painting or to commission her to paint/draw your loved ones or a new composition inspired by any of her paintings. You may also purchase limited edition prints through her online shop.

EXHIBITIONS

Rebekah Codlin exhibits throughout New Zealand, and in Santa Fe – NM, USA. She has been selected as a finalist in several competitions and awarded a number of residencies. Rebekah is an avid supporter of charities and often donates works to fundraising auctions. She is also a big supporter of the arts, regularly giving in-depth advice to beginning artists on how to navigate the art world successfully.

CURRENT 

Freeman Gallery Santa Fe – NM, USA. Ongoing from July 2018

Black Door Gallery – Parnell, Auckland. Ongoing from July 2017

Central Art Gallery – Queenstown. Ongoing from July 2017

The Gallery Havelock. Ongoing from Sept 2016

Prime – Queesntown. Permanent solo exhibition 2014 till present.

Raw Sugar Cafe – Christchurch. Solo exhibition 2018 till present.

Skin Perfection Spa – Blenheim. Permanent solo exhibition since 2015

PAST 

Human Condition – Joint exhibition at Black Door Gallery, Parnell, for Auckland Art Week – Oct 2017.

Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award 2017, Exhibiting Finalist with ‘Suri Flower’.

Brancott Estate Heritage Center – 4 yr residency and solo exhibition 2012 – 2016.

Pop Up Shop with Stray Birds (sisters fashion label) – Ponsonby Central, Auckland. Oct 22nd – Nov 4th 2018

Kings College art sale Auckland 2013 and 2014 (as the resident artist). Rebekah was within the top 8 selling artists of the event including Don Binney and Dick Frizell. 

Terrace Downs Luxury Resort, Art Gallery – Solo exhibition 2013. Rebekah’s first exhibition with a gallery. Her first portrait painted age 17 sold on the opening night to a collector for $10’000. 

National Art Gallery Wellington annual exhibition 2014, selected works.

Refinery Art Space Gallery annual National Competition 2014. Both works submitted selected as exhibiting finalists.

Ronald MacDonald House Charity Auction at the Skyline Restaurant Queenstown 2014.

Ronald MacDonald House Street billboard exhibition fundraiser and online charity auction Christchurch

CureKids art auction Christchuch 2015

Highfield Teravin winery – Residency 2016-2018 and solo exhibition

The Villas Christchurch – Extensive solo exhibition throughout the two story twin villas restaurant 

The Slip Inn – Havelock. Permanent exhibition 2014 – 2020

PRESS

NZ Life and Leisure magazine Feature article, Sept/Oct 2018 issue 81, Read the full article here.

Click the images to view large

Wild Tomato Magazine, August 2019. Click the images to view large

North & South Magazine, 2013. Click the image to view large

Marlborough Magazine Story, March 2019. Click the images to view large

The New Zealand Artist Magazine, 2015. Click the images to view large

Stuff.co.nz Story, May 2018. Click the images to view large

Stuff.co.nz Story, Jan 2018. Click the images to view large

The Marlborough Express 2013
The Marlborough Express 2014
a Christchurch paper during Rebekah's first solo exhibition 2013
Marlborough Express 2012
Marlborough Express 2011