Vale Michael Boyle

Members of CAW were saddened to hear that Michael Boyle, a longstanding member, has passed away following a brief illness.

Michael initially attended life drawing and portrait classes at the Canberra School of Art before joining the Canberra Art Workshop. Soon after becoming a member, he was elected President and worked with dedication to promote the growth of the organisation. Over the years, he remained actively involved with CAW, including expressing his views on the ongoing development of the organisation in response to the survey published in The Art of Celebration: Reflecting 50+ Years of Canberra Art Workshop in 2025.

Michael was also convenor of the Friday morning portraiture session, building on studies offered by Jan Brown in life drawing and by Romola Templeman in portraiture. Taking advantage of the popularity of Fridays to socialise, Michael initiated the annual evening gathering to celebrate and present the year’s work, typically for members’ families and regular models. To date, this annual evening of celebration continues.

Michael had a busy working career that included active service in Papua New Guinea, criminal investigation for a Commonwealth Government agency, and post-retirement research at the National Archives. He was well-read and maintained an active interest in major civic issues, such as the NDIS, other care agencies, and Indigenous disadvantage.

Michael also suffered the misfortune of having his house destroyed in the Canberra bushfires that tore through fringe suburbs including Holt and Chapman in 2003, but remained there and rebuilt.

Michael’s ebullient personal style and irreverent humour will be missed.