PAINTINGS from the studio © Margo Donoghue 2026
Arkaroola river crossing (study)
Oil on canvas
Height: 51cm Width: 41cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: TBA
Early morning Cow Creek (Valla)
Oil on linen
Height: 110cm Width: 76cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $2,450
This painting captures the quiet beauty of an early morning near my farm at Valla. Cow Creek winds through this valley and reflects the soft light of dawn as the day begins. In the middle ground, two cows graze calmly, adding a sense of life, balance, and connection to the rural environment.
Using a palette knife over a heavily textured linen canvas I focused on a limited range of oil colours and contrasting tones to capture the ambiance of the scene.
Nambucca River (Stuart Is.)
Oil on canvas
Height: 41cm Width: 51cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $650
Nambucca River towards Macksville
Oil on canvas
Height: 41cm Width: 51cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $650
Ithaca Creek, Red Hill
Oil on canvas
Height: 76cm Width: 61cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $1,450
the stragglers (Turon River NSW)
Oil on canvas
Height: 76cm Width: 110cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $2,650
SOLD - Private collection
This work portrays a stockman on horseback moving two stray cattle across a river bed — a familiar scene in the Australian landscape. It honours the skill, patience, and quiet strength of those who work the land, capturing a moment of calm purpose amid the vastness of the bush.
After spending some time in Sofala, NSW in 1996, I spent time sketching some of the local landscape with soft pastels. Along the trip there I met a stockman moving cattle and then painted them in a smaller oil study crossing the river bed. Forward to 2025, I decided to paint a larger canvas work from the study.
Summer Picnic (New Farm Park)
Oil & mixed media on canvas
Height: 95cm Width: 75cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $2,250
A picnic in New Farm Park was the inspiration for this work. ‘Summer’ focuses on the warmth and joy of that summer picnic, celebrating the simple moments that bring people together. The scene reflects a sense of relaxation, connection, and appreciation for the outdoors, qualities that I associate strongly with life in Brisbane.
The bright colours, natural light, and open space in the composition reflect the energy and vibrancy of Brisbane. For me, the picnic represents more than just a meal outdoors; it symbolises friendship, community, and the enjoyment of spending time in nature. This painting also highlights the balance between urban life and the natural environment that makes Brisbane unique.
This work is a personal reflection on the memories and experiences I have shared in local parks. It celebrates the city's welcoming atmosphere and reminds me of the importance of slowing down, enjoying the present moment, and connecting with both people and place.
Lunch in the Domain
Oil & mixed media on canvas
Height: 91cm Width: 61cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $1,850
During a recent summer trip to Sydney and a visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, I crossed the road to the Domain for a picnic lunch beneath the trees. A couple of small groups sitting in the shade became the subject matter for this painting.
Sketching and photographing people in natural poses within a public space can be challenging and requires practice and patience. Painting on site also tends to draw a small crowd of curious onlookers, often accompanied by questions and suggestions.
Forgot the umbrella
Oil on canvas
Height: 91cm Width: 61cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD: PRIVATE COLLECTOR, BRISBANE
Back to the daily commute to work is a common morning scene in Brisbane. We expect sunny weather most days and on the rare occasion are caught in down pour without the umbrella.
Along the Bellinger
Oil & mixed media on canvas
Height: 110cm Width: 76cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $2,250
SOLD - Private Collection
The Bellinger valley has been the inspiration for this painting as I lived and painted in the area for many years. At one time I owned land fronting the mighty river that flows down from the New England tablelands.
Beyond the Void
Oil & mixed media on canvas
Height: 76cm Width: 120cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $2,250
‘Beyond the Void’ represents a visual outback observation of isolation and solitude, however there’s a quiet resilience in the scene, a testament to the land’s ancient unyielding spirit. The landscape sinks into a subterranean chasm which suggests indigenous spirits that lay dormant beneath the rough sun-baked earth.
A recent visit to Uluru was the inspiration for this painting, with Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) in the background.
Pie Creek, Mooloo, Gympie
Finalist - Du Rietz Art Awards 2024
Oil on canvas
Height: 76cm Width: 110cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $2,800
SOLD - Private Collection
Water from rivers and creeks are important elements to the health of the environment and I have always had a strong attraction to capture water scenes and their surrounding reflections in my paintings.
A quick acrylic under painting sets the composition while I proceed in oil paints working light to dark tones to capture a realist rending in an impressionist style.
I have focused on capturing the soft light and water reflections juxtaposed against the strong tonal dark of the surrounding bush land to reflect the tranquillity and serenity of this end of Pie Creek.
Sunday markets (Southbank)
Oil on canvas
Height: 77cm Width: 102cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $1,550
Sunday Markets I
oil on linen
Height: 71cm Width: 56cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - Private Collection
Sunday Markets I captures the vibrant rhythm of community, color, and connection. I was inspired by the spontaneous beauty found in everyday moments—the bustle of people, the rich textures of fresh produce, handmade goods, and the stories exchanged between strangers. This painting is a celebration of local culture and the simple joy of gathering, reminding us of the human warmth that thrives in shared spaces.
cnr. Ann & Wickham Sts., Brisbane
Oil on linen
Height: 45cm Width: 65cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $650
Valley Crossing (Ann St., Brisbane)
Oil on linen
Height: 45cm Width: 65cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - Private Collection
‘Brisbane River (The Corso)’
Oil on linen
Height: 76cm Width: 102cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: P.O.A.
SOLD - Private Collection
Perrin Creek, Morningside, Brisbane
Oil on linen
Height: 71cm Width: 56cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - Private Collection, Brisbane
The Corner Store, 1960s Fairfield, Brisbane
Oil on linen
Height: 56cm Width: 71cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - Private collection, Sydney
Drought & Fire
Oil and mixed media on canvas
Height: 61cm Width: 91cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $1,750
Valla Rural, NSW
Oil on linen
Height: 56cm Width: 56cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - Private Collection
Raptis Jetty, Brisbane River (study)
Acrylic on canvas
Height: 51cm Width: 40cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - Private collection, Sydney
Along the Castlereagh
Oil on linen
Height: 90cm Width: 122cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - private collection, Brisbane
Foreshore Brisbane River
Oil on canvas
Height: 75cm Width: 95cm Depth: 4cm
PRICE: $1,350
Morning Brisbane River
Oil on linen
Height: 90cm Width: 122cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - Private collection, Brisbane
Corner fence post
Acrylic on canvas
Height: 75cm Width: 95cm Depth: 4cm
SOLD - private collection, Brisbane
All images contained in this site are under automatic copyright to the artist. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of any image may be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the artist.
Enquiries should be addressed to the artist, Margo Donoghue via email - margodon20@gmail.com
© Margo Donoghue 2026