FEATURED ARTIST
Video, photography and article produced by David Griffen.
Rachel Milne is a Newcastle-based oil painter whose practice is grounded in close observation, working from life, and a deep commitment to the traditions of figurative painting. Her work focuses on structure, tone and colour, often finding quiet intensity in everyday interiors, streetscapes and fleeting moments of light. We chose Rachel as The Novocastrian’s first Featured Artist because her practice reflects the kind of work the platform exists to support: thoughtful, locally grounded, and rigorously made. Her paintings demonstrate how careful looking can transform the ordinary into something enduring, and her contribution to Newcastle’s growing artistic culture continues to shape how the city is seen and understood through paint.
“My biggest fear is getting to the end of my life and thinking, I didn’t make enough paintings.”
Can you introduce yourself and your practice?
I’m Rachel Milne. I’m a figurative oil painter working from life in Newcastle. I use oil paints because I really want to be woven into the history of traditional oil painting. I want to be part of that. I love the viscosity of it, the thickness, the way it sits on top of the board.
Why oil painting, specifically?
I work with a limited palette, about ten colours, and I stick to them. There’s something about the material that really matters to me. The physicality of it. The way it behaves.
What does a good day in the studio look like for you?
If it’s going to be a good day, I’m usually out working on something I feel anxious about. Even if I only paint for an hour, if I’ve pushed the painting forward or understood something a little more, it feels like a real buzz. That feels like a successful day.
What are you responding to when you paint?
It’s all about observation. Sometimes it’s about pinning the structure down accurately. Other times it’s something more elusive, like light coming through a window. How do you translate that onto a board?
If I’m with artist friends, we’ll stop and say, “Look at the scaffolding. Look at the reflection in the window.” One of the pleasures of being an artist is that you can look at a traffic light and be completely blown away.
What draws you to these everyday scenes?
There are things that just have a beauty that needs to be pulled out. I don’t know whether I’m doing that or not, but I’m always pointing at things saying, “Look at this. Look at this.” These stairs are beautiful. That window is beautiful.
What do you respond to in other artists’ work?
When I see a really good painting, something that’s well observed, it makes me breathe out. Every bit feels considered. The confidence, the composition – it’s incredibly satisfying.
How important is painting in your life?
Part of me pretends it’s not important, but I’ve built my whole life around being able to paint. Painting nourishes a part of me that doesn’t get nourished in any other way. It fills a painting-sized hole in me.
How do you feel about working in Newcastle?
It’s an incredible city. Watching the artistic community grow over the last few years has been such a pleasure. There’s something here for everybody – beginners, professional artists, or people who just want to see what’s happening. And it’s a beautiful place.
What are you working towards right now?
I’ve got a show coming up in Sydney at King Street Gallery in June. I’ll be sharing the space with Harrie Fasher, an amazing sculptor. The work I’m making is all of Newcastle scenes.
What drives you to keep making work?
My biggest fear is getting to the end of my life and thinking, I didn’t make enough paintings.
Follow Rachel Milne
Visit her website:
https://www.rachelmilne.com
A good place to explore her work, current projects, and background.
Join her mailing list:
You can sign up via her website to receive infrequent updates about upcoming exhibitions, teaching, and workshops.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmilneartist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelmilneartist/
Gallery Representation
King Street Gallery on William (Sydney)
Rachel is represented by King Street Gallery on William, where her work is regularly exhibited and available to collectors.
https://www.kingstreetgallery.com
Sophie Gannon Gallery (Melbourne)
Her work is also represented by Sophie Gannon Gallery, with a strong focus on contemporary Australian painting.
https://www.sophiegannongallery.com.au
Please feel free to share, with following credit: courtesy of www.davidgriffen.com and www.thenovocastrian.com.au
