June 19, 2026

Capturing the Colours of Australia with Desma Munro

By Creative Connections Whitsunday

From rugged outback ranges and dramatic storm skies to Australia's colourful birdlife, artist Desma Munro finds inspiration in the landscapes and wildlife that make this country unique. Through her paintings, she captures the light, colour and atmosphere of the places she encounters, inviting viewers to experience the beauty of Australia through her eyes.

A longtime Proserpine local, Desma first discovered her love of art as a teenager and has spent decades developing her skills as a painter. Largely self-taught, she works primarily in oils and water-mixable oils, creating realistic artworks that retain a distinctive painterly quality. More recently, she has also embraced watercolour, enjoying the spontaneity and freedom the medium brings to her creative process.

Desma draws inspiration from some of Australia's most celebrated landscape artists, including Hans Heysen, Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin and Albert Namatjira. Their ability to capture the character of the Australian landscape continues to influence her work today.

Travelling extensively throughout Australia in her motorhome provides a constant source of inspiration. From the rich reds of the Pilbara and Flinders Ranges to coastal scenes and native wildlife, she finds beauty wherever she goes. For Desma, painting remains both a passion and a lifelong learning journey.

A collection of Desma's artwork is currently on display at the Bendigo Community Bank Community Display Space until 26 June. Visitors can also view and purchase several of her original artworks and artist merchandise at the Community Art Gallery in Proserpine.