Nestled into the coastal charm of St Mawes on Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula, Tregony Contemporary has built a reputation as one of Cornwall's most distinctive art destinations, championing British and international artists and bringing exceptional contemporary painting to Cornwall from across the UK and beyond.

Behind it all is Judi Green - painter, curator, and co-founder of the gallery alongside her husband Brian. We caught up with Judi to talk about her journey from graphic design to the Slade School of Fine Art, what draws her back to the Cornish landscape and what's next for the gallery she and Brian built.

Can you tell us a little about your journey into painting – was it always your dream career?
I've always loved drawing and making things. After studying Graphic Design at Kingston School of Art, Brian and I spent over twenty-five years running our own design consultancy. Painting was always there, but eventually it became much more than an interest. Studying at the Slade School of Fine Art and later the Royal Drawing School in London confirmed that this was the path I wanted to follow. Since then, painting has become both my profession and my passion.

A lot of your work is inspired by the Cornish landscape, but you've also painted in Italy. What is it about a place that makes you want to paint it?
For me, it's never just about the view, it’s about the experience of being there. Whether I'm painting in Cornwall or during an artist residency in Tuscany or Ireland, I'm fascinated by changing light, weather and atmosphere. I'm not trying to record a place exactly as it is, but to capture how it feels to stand there.

The Shape of Quiet - Judi Green

You and Brian founded what's now Tregony Contemporary back in 2015. What made you want to run a gallery alongside your own painting practice?
As artists ourselves, we know how valuable it is to have someone who genuinely believes in your work. We wanted to create a gallery that felt welcoming and carefully curated, where artists and collectors could build lasting relationships. Brian and I have different skills, which complement each other perfectly, and after more than ten years we still enjoy creating every exhibition together.

What was it like moving Tregony Contemporary from the village of Tregony to St Mawes in 2024?
Moving to St Mawes gave us the opportunity to create the gallery we'd always imagined. People come here because they love the coast, the light and the slower pace of life. We wanted the gallery to feel part of that experience. Visitors often comment not only on the paintings but on the atmosphere, the flowers and the warm welcome, and that's exactly what we hoped to create.

What does a typical day in the gallery look like for you?
There really isn't a typical day! One day I might be meeting artists, photographing new work or planning an exhibition. The next I'm welcoming visitors or finding a few precious hours to paint in my studio. Running an independent gallery means wearing lots of different hats, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

When you and Brian are choosing which artists to represent, what are you looking for?
We're looking for honesty and authenticity. Technical ability is important, but we're really interested in artists who have something personal to say and whose work continues to grow. Our exhibitions bring together British and international artists who share a commitment to observation, craftsmanship and originality.

Is there a particular painting or body of work you're most proud of?
I'm usually most excited by the painting I'm working on now. Each body of work teaches me something new, and I'm always looking for ways to say more with less, allowing light, colour and memory to carry as much of the story as the subject itself.

Still Guardians - Judi Green

What advice would you give to an artist just starting to find their own voice?
Learn how to look before worrying about style. Draw from life whenever you can, be patient and don't be afraid of making mistakes. Your own voice develops gradually through observation, practice and persistence.

What would you say to someone who loves art but doesn't feel confident buying it?
Don't be intimidated, just come in and have a conversation. You don't need to know anything about art to enjoy it. The best reason to buy a painting is that it continues to draw you back. If you find yourself thinking about it after you've left the gallery, there's probably a reason.

Finally, what can visitors to Tregony Contemporary this season expect to see, from you and from the wider gallery?
This season we're presenting a programme of carefully curated exhibitions featuring exceptional British and international artists, each bringing their own unique perspective and approach to painting. Our next exhibition, Ground & Sky, explores the relationship between landscape, memory and atmosphere, bringing together artists whose work ranges from carefully observed to more expressive responses to the natural world. Whether you're an experienced collector or simply curious, we hope you'll discover something unexpected, enjoy spending time with the paintings and leave feeling inspired to visit us again.