Lucy Buttenshaw is an Australian painter based in West Wyalong in Central New South Wales, 50km from the lakeside property on which she was raised. Her rural upbringing of isolation, open spaces and creature companions, has played a significant role in forming her perspective of the world. These childhood memories of water, openness, trees, birds and animals, and the changing of seasons, are now fused with her experience of the wider world. She says "these are the things that ‘matter’, and are regular sources of inspiration to me".

She has always found her inspiration in the ‘familiar’, the anecdotal moments of people and animals in particular places. Although the narrative implied in much of her work may be actual or invented, it always features imagery and icons plucked directly from her life. She states "I aim for a sense of immediacy in my marks, in an attempt to engage the viewer in the moment".

After a few years in Sydney studying a B.A. (Fine Arts & English), Dip. Ed. (Art) and teaching at various schools, Lucy returned to the West Wyalong district. Settled in her familiar rural world, Lucy’s work immediately began to reflect the landscape and creatures of her childhood farmlife blended with her adult life in town. She travels widely and is represented in private collections throughout the world.

In addition to her studio pratice, Lucy has been involved in community art projects, gives painting workshops, teaches piano, and is a National Art School tutor of the 2 week HSC Extension Course for talented students.