Visual artists are accustomed to working in solitary conditions in a studio or at home and have continued to do so.

But that's not to make light of the fact that there have been challenges, financial and otherwise, though many have had financial and other support - from family, friends, fellow artists, landlords and the government.

Some seem to be coping pretty well.

Kerry McInnis says, "For me, the COVID lockdowns have somehow been oddly synchronised with my own personal art practice commitments, so I've had a minimum of hassle and angst."

She and her partner, sculptor Mike McGregor, spent much of last year preparing their bush home of four decades for sale to move into their new home and art studios in Bungendore.

"We gratefully received JobKeeper so were able to manage financially during that transition," she says.

"I then started on a new body of work for my Sydney exhibition at Wagner Contemporary Gallery which was to open in May of this year."

The opening coincided with an easing of lockdown restrictions in greater Sydney, she says, "so were able to enjoy a hard opening as they say, meaning a real live opening event. It was a relief to know that visitors were able to see my work in the flesh."

While her next Canberra exhibition - at Nancy Sever Gallery - has had to be postponed, McInnis suspects she's been luckier than many of her fellow artists.

"I have been able to access my studio - in my backyard - I've been supported by two terrific commercial art galleries who make stock room sales an active part of their businesses, and I have a surplus of paints, brushes and mediums to last me for a bit longer still."

Savanhdary Vongpoothorn, a textile artist from Laos who's lived in Canberra since 2004, says that for her, working in lockdown "has been quite nice".

She had an exhibition, Grounded and Glowing, at Martin Browne Contemporary in Sydney that had to go online when lockdown began.

While she says "things could be better", there's been plenty to appreciate.

Vongpoothorn has enjoyed spending more time with her school-age children and had access recently to her studio at ANCA Gallery, although as with other studios, numbers are limited and a roster system is in place.

Vongpoothorn works at an unhurried pace. She is preparing for an exhibition in 2023

Some artists have drawn on their recent experiences to create new work.

Videographer and artist Sammy Hawker came to Canberra in 2019.

With videography work scarce, she says, "Lockdown gave me a chance to refocus on my art practice."

She had a successful exhibition, Act of Co-Creation, at The Mixing Room Gallery that's still attracting sales on her website and as part of a PhotoAccess residency has an upcoming PhotoAccess exhibition, Melt, inspired by the bushfires and the pandemic.

Melt is a reflection of her experience of the last two years, from the bushfires to the recent COVID lockdown, told through a mix of text, documentary imagery and "entangled acts of co-creation".

She makes indigo ink from the shrub Indigofera australis to use in her work and has used water from different sources - the ocean, lakes, snow - to process film.

For some, lockdown has been an opportunity for innovation. Valerie Kirk, a tapestry artist for 30 years, says that in 2020 she ''decided to try some new things".

She did an online course that included collage, learning some new techniques.

"It was quite refreshing, really."

She was also able to conduct some classes in Canberra. But, she says, "This year just stopped."

She's updated her home technology and is about to start teaching classes online.

"I can reach a much bigger audience than when holding classes here in Canberra."

Painter Jenny Blake is a member of #Artist Co Canberra, a group of more than 30 artists that started before COVID. Instagram and other social media provide ways of supporting each other and selling work. Blake says she is semi-retired and "in an OK situation. I can access my super - I don't have to rely on my art, but it's nice to earn some money".

Lockdown has had a more serious impact on some artists.

Byrd says his main income is from mural production, exhibitions and community projects. He's finding the present uncertainty a challenge: "The outcomes are still out of reach".

He has a home studio but says, "my motivation has been low".

Byrd says, "I've been rebuilding momentum, but again without clear outcomes, it feels a little like going in circles... I have had no income since the August lockdown and probably won't until I start doing things again. I feel OK because I have stuff looming and some savings to burn, but just don't know when and how I will get to each."

Also affected has been bonsai and ceramic artist Daniel Leone who says, "COVID had affected me massively."

The places where he sells his work - galleries, cafes, shops - have been shut and he opened his own gallery just a week before the present lockdown began. There are bright spots - he's been given a rent-free period for his gallery, he's able to live with his parents, and he's applying for grants.

And he's ready when lockdown ends.

"I've got work ready to go."