Luke Murchie Art is an independent studio practice run out of a Melbourne apartment where the living room becomes a studio on evenings and weekends, the furniture gets moved, and the work gets made.

It's a small operation by design, built around making thoughtful decisions at every step, from materials to packaging to who we work with.

The paintings

Luke works with professional-grade water-based acrylic paints. As acrylic is water-based rather than solvent-based, it produces significantly lower VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions compared to oil-based alternatives — making it a safer choice for both the studio environment and the people in it. Brushes and tools are cleaned with water and soap, avoiding the harsh solvents typically required in oil painting practice.

The canvases Luke paints on are 100% cotton, triple primed, 280gsm, and unbleached — made with responsibly sourced plantation pinewood frames. Cotton canvas is a natural, durable material that supports the longevity of the work.

The frames for original paintings are crafted from Tasmanian Oak, a hardwood known for its durability and quality. We work with a local independent framer rather than a large supplier — a deliberate choice to support small business and keep things close to home.

The prints

The paper Luke prints on is Hahnemühle German Etching 310gsm, printed via giclée — a process used by galleries and museums worldwide that uses archival pigment-based inks to achieve exceptional colour accuracy, tonal depth, and fine detail.Hahnemühle has been making paper since 1584, and the German Etching is one of their most recognised fine art papers.

It's acid-free, lignin-free, and mould-made — a production method that gives the paper its characteristic weight, velvety texture, and structural integrity. That texture isn't just aesthetic; it's what makes a reproduction of a painted work feel like something physical and considered rather than just a print.

It is rated to archival standards of 100 years or more, meaning it will outlast most of us if cared for properly.We've made a conscious effort to use eco-friendly and biodegradable materials wherever possible across both paintings and prints — including biodegradable bubble wrap, glassine paper, biodegradable tape, and cardboard. The archival sleeves used to protect prints are acid-free and archival-safe. Where fully sustainable alternatives aren't yet available, we're actively looking for better options.