Acrylic Painting

Yvonne Huynh

Yvonne is a self-taught still life and landscape artist capturing quiet stories in soft light and shadow. Her work is a gentle invitation to pause and appreciate the beauty woven into the ordinary.

Artist Profile

Yvonne is a self-taught still life and landscape artist capturing quiet stories in soft light and shadow. Her work is a gentle invitation to pause and appreciate the beauty woven into the ordinary.

Yvonne (also known as ‘vonh’ on Instagram) is a Vietnamese-Australian self-taught artist based in Melbourne/Naarm. Drawn to the beauty of everyday moments, her work encourages a slower, more mindful appreciation of life’s quiet details. Inspired by fleeting experiences and simple pleasures, like reading, walking, and listening to music, she creates intimate, nostalgic pieces using a limited colour palette to evoke stillness and reflection.

Since beginning her art journey in the winter of 2023, Yvonne has exhibited her work at Aspire Gallery and Brunswick Street Gallery. She continues to seek new opportunities to showcase her work and is particularly interested in ways to help art collectors connect more meaningfully with original art.

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I began my art journey working with gouache, drawn to its matte texture and control, but eventually transitioned to acrylic as I became more interested in layering, texture, and the flexibility it offers (it's also easier to clean!). Acrylic gives me the freedom to build depth and atmosphere, while still drying quickly enough to suit my intuitive process. Many of my earlier works were painted on handmade paper, which I still love for its raw, organic quality. More recently, I’ve started painting on canvas as well. I’m drawn to the timeless and contemporary look it offers, especially when paired with natural oak frames.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

My ideas come from many places, often small, quiet moments in everyday life. With easy access to a smartphone these days, I’m able to quickly capture those fleeting moments and save them in my camera roll to revisit later. I also keep a running list of ideas, many of which already have a collection name attached, just waiting for the right time to come to life. It’s strange in a way, but inspiration often finds me when I least expect it. I could be taking a walk in the park, noticing the way light filters through leaves, and suddenly an idea begins to form. From there, I reflect, and eventually bring it to life through painting, refining the concept until it’s ready to be shared. In terms of colour prepping, I primarily work with the Zorn Palette, which is a limited range of earthy tones traditionally used in portraiture. I find its simplicity helps me create an intimate, quiet atmosphere in my work, allowing mood and light to take centre stage. These colours allow me to express my vision exactly as I see it.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

As a huge homebody, I find comfort in having a small creative corner within my suburban home. It’s my personal sanctuary where I can focus and let my ideas flow. I do however dream of having a dedicated studio someday. It would be a space where I can hold workshops and display my artworks properly, instead of them being tucked away in forgotten corners due to limited space!