Behind the Canvas: A Few Common Questions
Whether you’ve been following my work for a while or you’ve just stumbled upon my studio, you might have a few questions about how these paintings come to life. I’ve gathered the most frequent things I’m asked—from the flowers in my garden to the way I use oil paint—to give you a little peek behind the scenes.
ON INSPIRATION & THE GARDEN
Why do you focus so much on flowers and botanicals specifically? I’ve always been fascinated by how temporary a flower is. You’ve only got a few days where they look a certain way before they start to change. Painting them is my way of holding onto that specific moment. It’s also about the architecture of plants—the way a stem curves or how a petal folds. There’s a lot of drama in a single flower if you look closely enough.
You’ve mentioned your garden in Armidale—do you grow most of what you paint? I do! My garden is essentially my reference library. I love being able to walk outside and find exactly what’s in season. It means the work is always tied to a specific time of year. There’s something very satisfying about planting a bulb in the winter and then finally getting to sit down and paint the bloom in the spring. Of course, the weather isn’t always my friend and sometimes I need to buy flowers to complete a composition. My local florist is invaluable - a big shout out to the lovely staff at Rosemerin here in Armidale.
How do you decide which objects or flowers to pair together in a still life?
It usually starts with one thing—maybe a bowl of fruit from the kitchen or a branch I’ve just brought in from the garden. I look for a balance of textures, like the smooth glaze of a ceramic jug against the soft, matte feel of a petal. I try not to overthink the arrangement; I want it to feel like something you’d naturally see on a table, rather than something that’s been perfectly staged.
‘Sanderson, Sedum & Stone Fruit’ by Robyn Markey (oil on canvas)
THE PROCESS & TECHNIQUE
Your paintings have a very particular glow to them. Is that a specific technique? I work with oils and build the painting up in multiple layers and glazes. It’s a bit of a slow process, but it allows the light to filter through the paint rather than just sitting on the surface. It gives the work a sense of depth and luminosity that you just can't get with a single layer of paint.
Is there a reason you prefer oils over other types of paint? Oil paint has a weight and a richness that really suits flowers. It stays wet long enough for me to blend colours directly on the canvas, which is how I get those soft transitions in the petals. It also has a natural lustre that mimics the way light interacts with living things. It just feels ‘alive’ in a way that’s hard to achieve with other mediums.
You recently spent some time on a residency in France. Did that change your approach?
The time at Chateau d'Orquevaux was a great chance to step away from my usual routine and just focus on the work. Being in a different environment, with that specific European light and history, pushed me to see colour and composition in a fresh way. I produced a series of paintings and small studies influenced by my residency and I’m still exploring and expanding on what I did there.
‘Morning in the Border (detail)’ by Robyn Markey (oil on canvas)
COLLECTING & CARING FOR THE WORK
It’s hard to tell the scale of a painting online. How can I get a better feel for a piece? I completely understand—texture and scale are so much more apparent in person. I always include a photo of a painting in-situ and at scale to give a sense of size in a room and I’m always happy to send more photos of a painting from different angles or even a quick video so you can see the surface better. If you’re nearby, you’re also welcome to visit the studio by appointment to see the work for yourself.
Do you take on commissions? I do take on commissions from time to time. I enjoy the process of taking someone’s idea—perhaps a favorite flower or a specific set of objects—and interpreting it through my style. It’s a nice way to create something that feels very personal to the collector while staying true to my own practice.
I love your work but can’t quite afford an original painting yet. Do you offer other options? Absolutely. I know that an original oil painting is a big investment, so I also produce high-quality Giclee (museum-quality) prints and even things like linen tea towels and greeting cards. It’s important to me that people can enjoy art in their homes, whether that’s a large canvas over the mantle or a beautiful print in a smaller corner.
Does an oil painting need any special care once I get it home? The great thing about oils is that they’re incredibly durable and can last for generations. The main thing is to keep it out of direct, harsh sunlight to protect the colours over the long term. When I sell I painting I include a card with care instructions that collectors have found very useful.
STAY IN TOUCH
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I’d love it if you left a comment or any questions I didn’t answer. Until next time
