Genevieve Murray (OQ, 2010-2) was awarded an arts scholarship to study at Queen’s sixth
form, and recently revisited Queen’s College as part of the Futures programme to speak to
sixth form students. She is now living and working in Bristol as a professional portrait artist,
having studied Fine Art Painting at Edinburgh College of Art, and shares some of her
insights into her student and professional journey below. She has exhibited at the Royal
Society of Portrait Painters exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London, South West Academy
Open, and Victoria Art Gallery.

Genevieve:

I have always been fascinated by portraiture, and had a great opportunity to develop my
painting at Queen’s. I loved having my first dedicated art space in the sixth form area and
received lots of encouragement and knowledge from Ms B and Mrs Western. I left with a
plentiful portfolio to apply to my foundation with, and eventually on to Edinburgh College of
Art which expanded my horizons further.

As a professional oil portrait painter of 10-years now, I know how important it is to have
mentorship and career advice, so I was pleased to speak with students as part of the Futures
Programme. My art career which began in the hallways of Queen’s College has given me the
opportunity to paint a wide variety of portraits. My interest in the classical lighting, colour
and environments of the Old Masters developed here and remain important influences,
whether for professional, student or family portraits.

Each portrait commission is different, but for each I seek to develop a connection with my
subjects, so building trust is key. I love sharing the journey of a commission with a client;
getting to know the person, setting up a photoshoot and then capturing their soul and
likeness in oils.

I value my connection with Queen’s College and love how it has interwoven with my art
career. In 2019, I reconnected with Thomas Howe who was a peer of mine during my time at
Queen’s and he commissioned a really majestic oil portrait of his grandfather, Frits Hendrik
Edward Gorlé. Thomas told me that his father had a portrait of his own grandfather up, and
Thomas said he wanted to continue that tradition and commemorate his influence. I loved
painting this oil portrait for an Old Queenian and enjoyed the idea of respecting and acting
on a family tradition.

“I commissioned a posthumous portrait of my grandfather to sit alongside the portrait he
bequeathed me of my great-great grandfather. These hang in my study as a means to
remember him and the influence he has had on my academic career.” Thomas Howe
As part of my connection with Queen’s I’d love to paint with students’ families or other OQs,
please get in touch with me if you’d like a bespoke oil portrait as I have particular rates for
Queen’s connections.
genevievemurray.co.uk or genevievemurrayartist@gmail.com