Artist Bio: Marilyn Murray

Artist Bio - Marilyn Murray

I am an Australian artist known for my evocative landscapes, miniature paintings, and detailed still lifes. My painting journey began in 2005 when I discovered a passion for pastels, later expanding my repertoire to include acrylics and oils. While largely self-taught, I have honed my skills through art courses and membership of the Childers Visual Arts Group.

Before my painting career, I was deeply involved in fabric arts, including teaching patchwork quilting for a decade in Sydney and Brisbane. This background in textiles has influenced my meticulous approach to detail and composition in my artworks.

In 2018, I embraced miniature painting, creating a series titled "Childers Bits," for a combined exhibition with local artists. This was followed by several other miniature exhibitions, the latest being “Little Darlings” which aimed to evoke nostalgia and memories of my family's heritage in the "Darling Downs" region of Queensland. This exhibition was held at Crows Nest Gallery, a branch of the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. My miniatures, usually measuring just 6.4 x 8.9 cm, showcase my technical skill and attention to detail.

My works are held in private collections across Australia and internationally. My studio is located in North Isis, Queensland, where I continue to create and accept commissions.
For more information or to view my portfolio, visit my official website: marilynmurray.com.au.

Private Exhibitions

“Little Darlings” – September 2024 – Crows Nest Gallery, one of the galleries of the Toowoomba Regional Art Galleries.

“Meeting History in Miniature” – February 2024 – Maryborough Art Society

“Miniaturised Maryborough” – May 2023 – Gatakers Arts Space, Maryborough

“Meeting History in Miniature” – July 2022 – Childers Arts Space (CHARTS), one of the Bundaberg Regional Art Galleries (BRAG)

“Memories in Miniature” – November 2022 – Wondai Regional Art Gallery

“Memories in Miniature” – February 2021 – Old Courthouse Gallery, Gin Gin

“Memories in Miniature” – October, 2020 – Gatakers Arts Space, Maryborough

“Natural Selection”- Nov 2015 – Jan 2016 – Gatakers Arts Space, Maryborough

“Home is where the Heart Is” – Jan – March 2015 – at Gayndah Art Gallery

“Home is where the Heart Is” – Nov 2013 – at Crows Nest Community Arts and Crafts

“Paint and Pastel” - April 2010 –– with Pat (Ginger) Deller-Smith at the Old Courthouse Gallery, Gin Gin.

Group Exhibitions

2010 - 2025 Exhibitions with the Childers Arts Council Visual Arts Group

“A Retrospective” – Childers Visual Arts Group, “My Backyard”, “Myths and Legends of the Australian Bush”, “Bush Legends”, “Hallowed Ground”, “Rural Interiors”, “Focus on the F Word”, “Rust”, “Aussie Icons”, “Favourites” “State of Ageing”, “Anything But Ordinary”, “Wonder Weather”, “Unsupported”, "Focusing on the F Word"

2010 – 2026 Combined Exhibitions the Bundaberg District Art Groups

2023 – “HERE + now”, 2019 – “HERE + now”, “Art and Architecture”, “Black and White”, “Collaboration”, “Cracked”, “Showtime” and “Links” 

2007 – Annual Pastel Society exhibition at the Graydon Gallery at New Farm. 

Gallery Gift Shops

Some of my smaller works are available for sale at the following gallery gift shops

• Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery (BRAG)
• Childers Arts Space (CHARTS)

Art Memberships

Childers Arts Council - Visual Arts Group

Pastel Society of Australia Inc. 

Australian Miniature Art Society

Publications

2023 – “HERE+now” – A catalogue of the artworks selected by Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery for the “HERE+now” exhibition at Childers Arts Space (CHARTS)

2022 - Small Wonders – A delightful publication of postage stamp sized artworks published by the National Trust of Victoria for which I produced 5 very tiny artworks.

2018 – The Percivals – a 200 page book featuring all the artworks in the 2018 Percival Portrait Painting Prize.

2011 – Artist’s Palette Magazine – A 5 page insight article about my work and a 3 page demonstration of my pastel technique.

My Artshow Awards

		Artshow: 2018 Isis District Pastoral Agricultural and Industrial Society Inc. Title: Cania Gorge Award: 3rd Prize - Traditional Landscape
		Artshow: 2014 Bundaberg Arts Festival Title: Kellys Beach Fun Award: Highly Commended
		Artshow: 2014 Bundaberg Arts Festival Title: Road To Apple Tree Creek Award: Highly Commended
		Artshow: Childers Show Title: Ochre Pits West Mcdonald Ranges Nt Award: 2nd Prize Fine Art
		Artshow: 2021 Childers Show Title: Guests Only Award: 1st Prize Fine Art
		Artshow: 2021 Childers Show Title: Ormiston Gorge Central Australia Award: 2nd Prize Landscape
		Artshow: 2018 Childers Show Title: Prima Ballerina Award: Grand Champion
		Artshow: 2019 - Mt Perry Arts Group Inc. Title: Neon Cuckoo Bee Award: Endangered Species Award
		Artshow: Moore Park Beach Exhibition Title: Oops Award: Highly Commended