B. 1892 – 1971

Australian artist Violet McInnes (née Musgrave) studied at the National Gallery School, developing an aptitude for still life paintings. While women artists of the early to mid twentieth century were often relegated to mere flower painters, McInnes used this to her advantage. She mastered the craft, recognising the diverse audiences who could both relate to and afford her modestly sized, universally appealing florals.

McInnes was the wife of the inaugural Archibald winner W.B. McInnes, with whom she had six children. When her husband died, she was able to refocus on her practice and was a finalist in the 1941 Archibald Prize for her portrait of fellow artist, Sybil Craig. In 2019 she was included in the National Gallery of Victoria’s survey of Australian Modernist women artists. 

To read a more in-depth biography of the artist, click here.