Under the Milky Way
Linda Armstrong
Under the Milky Way [detail] 2026
Portrait of Camille Armstrong Newby
Oil on canvas
46 x 61 cm
About the Artwork
The painting is inspired by the song “Under the Milky Way” by Australian band The Church. The sitter, Camille Armstrong Newby, is an army wife, and has recently moved to her third city in five years. The lyrics of the song suggest an unknown future, which she ponders over at different times. For example, the lyrics that inspired the painting include “And it’s something quite peculiar. Something shimmering and white. It leads you here despite your destination. Wish I knew what you were looking for. Might have known what you would find. Under the Milky Way tonight.” Camille has to accept her decision committing to a transient army life. I’ve tried to give her an expression of uncertainty but also wonderment as her life will always have challenges.
About the Artist
Linda Armstrong is a retired teacher-librarian based in Townsville. She has completed numerous TAFE art courses over the last 30 years and has been attending private art classes since 2020. Through these classes, she has learned life drawing and the oil painting techniques practiced by the Renaissance masters, including glazing, verdaccio, and sfumato.