From the 1880s onwards , Tripe exhibited in New Zealand , in London , at the Paris Salon , and elsewhere . She started out as an Impressionist painter but over time moved towards a more realistic style founded in strong draughtsmanship . She became known especially for her portraits of leading New Zealand citizens , including Sir Robert Stout , Sir Frederic Truby King , Sir Michael Myers , William Edward Sanders , and the painter Dolla Richmond . In 1893 , she became the first woman appointed to the council of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts , and she also influenced the founding of the National Art Gallery of New Zealand and its portrait collection . She was awarded the Coronation Medal in 1937 , and died at her home in Wellington on 21 September 1939 . Her ashes were buried in Karori Cemetery
Coronation Medal
King George VI Coronation Medal
Mollie Tripe