She started off with an idea for using paint, loosely poured over canvas to create a splash, then discovered the technique paint pouring.

The poured paint forms an marbled web of patterns, which Boyes uses as a background for intricate miniatures.

“It challenges me, because I’ve always really enjoyed control over paint... and this is not like that. It’s like the opposite,” she said.

The new technique re-invigorated her love of painting after a lull or many years.

It was a bumpy restart for Boyes, after an underpublicised exhibition in Canberra.

Through this, however, she got talking to Antony Davies, owner of Wheatfield Gallery. “He said ‘just bring all your stuff straight over’,” Boyes said.

The show, which opened last week, features a selection of works from Boyes and other Canberra region artists. for Boyes it serves as an interesting retrospective of her artistic journey.

“It’s a range of what I was doing, what I went through doing and what I’m doing now, it’s quite interesting,” she said.

Boyes’ work has changed significantly over the years, as she oscillates between writing and artwork. While she studied at art school, she lacked a niche and it discouraged her.

“I found that quite soul destroying, so I left art school,” she said

It was a while before she took up artwork again, but while living in Dorrigo she found a small ground of like-minded women to paint with. 

“I’ve done it at my own pace,” Boyes said.

“I just didn’t fit the mold, and I just don’t fit anybody’s mold, and I’ve come to accept that over the years, it’s just a fact.”

Her minute depictions of animals are born from a love of the natural world which she sees disregarded in the world around her.

“It’s just something that I really love, and I want people to become more aware of their environment and how precious it is,” Boyes said.

“I hope by painting and depicting wildlife people will see it as something that should be treasured.”