FIONA O'BYRNE
HOLD STILL
Fiona O’Byrne is an oil painter who explores the intersection of classical observation and expressive, painterly intuition. Spare compositions are arranged to capture the quiet gravity of the subject, colour is utilised to anchor the atmosphere, and a deliberate, tactile application of paint builds a surface that is both structurally solid and vibrantly fresh.
About the Artist
Fiona O’Byrne is a Melbourne-based painter who finds extraordinary beauty in the quiet corners of domestic life. Her work - a collection of delicate still life and intimate portraits - serves as a visual "slow down," inviting the viewer to step away from the noise of the digital world and find rest in the ordinary.
Originally trained as a Landscape Architect, Fiona’s transition to oil painting in her mid-thirties brought a new perspective to her lifelong connection with nature. Whether she is painting a sprig of wattle gathered on a morning walk or a family member in a moment of repose, she seeks to capture the "quiet interiority" of her subjects through classical techniques and a rich, tactile surface.
“I want to evoke a world of simplicity and harmony,” Fiona says. “For me, it isn’t about the variety of the subjects, but the intensity with which they are experienced. I want to help people appreciate the beauty in the everyday.”
EXHIBITIONS
2026, Gathered, two person show with Lana Daubermann, Fortyfive Downstairs, Melbourne
2025, Flourish, Solo Show, AK Bellinger Gallery, Inverell
2025, Going Places, Solo Show, Fortyfive Downstairs, Melbourne
2024, Life on the Ledge, Solo Show, AK Bellinger Gallery, Inverell
2024, Hearth, Group show (with Lana Daubermann, Natalie Bloom, Stacey McCall and Sophie Campbell)
2024, Interior Visions, Group Show, New England Regional Art Museum
2023, Notes on Spring, Solo Show, AK Bellinger Gallery, Inverell
2023, Project Solstice, Group show (with Lana Daubermann and Natalie Bloom), Westgarth Gallery, Northcote
2023, Solo Show, Foray, Dubbo
2022, Tableau, Group show (with Lana Daubermann and John Scurry), Queenscliff Gallery, Queenscliff
2022, Solo Show, Foray, Dubbo
2022, 2021, Solo Show, AK Bellinger Gallery, Inverell
2019, ‘Nature Rendered Permanent’, Group show, Art Ladder Space, Kew
AWARDS
2024, Finalist, The Portia Geach Memorial Award
2024, Finalist, The Muswellbrook Award
2024, Finalist, The Kennedy Prize
2024, Finalist, The Shirley Hannon National Portrait Award
2022, 2020, Finalist, The Lester Prize
2022, Finalist, Little Things Art Prize, Saint Cloche
2020, Finalist, The Shirley Hannon National Portrait Award
2020, 2018, 2016, Finalist, AME Bale Art Prize in the Medium of Oils and/or Acrylics
2017 Semi-finalist, Doug Moran National Portrait Prize
2015 Recipient of Norma Bull Portraiture Scholarship ($5,000)
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
1998 Master of Landscape Architecture
1995 Bachelor of Planning and Design (Honours)