Much of what I do is inspired by other artists, Margaret Olley being no exception. I seem to gravitate towards older artists… those who are prolific long past their 70s. Olley was 88 when she died at her home in paddington, Sydney. She was completing work for a solo show due to open in September… at 88 yrs old!

The painter often made the interior of her exuberant home in Duxford Street the subject of her still-life works. Those that have been to my home know my style and Margaret’s home was filled with similar eccentricities. Things she loved, and things she painted. With its flowers, fruit, vases, books and antiques, the over-flowing house has long been a mecca for Sydney’s artists, bohemians and intellectuals.

As well as being a prolific artist, Olley has also been one of the most-painted figures in Australian art. Her portrait by Ben Quilty won this year’s Archibald Prize. William Dobell’s portrait of her won the prize in 1948. Russell Drysdale, Donald Friend, Jeffrey Smart and Judy Cassab have also painted Olley.

She was an independent woman who never married or had children. It was not a role she was cut out for, she said. She once described herself as “a one-woman band, too independent to be subservient to anyone”. Asked to describe her body of work once she replied: “I never see myself fitting in anywhere. I just like to lose myself in the work, let the painting take over.” I hope you have more of that wherever you are now Margaret!