Queenie McKenzie is, along with Rover Thomas, the best known of the east Kimberley painters. Queenie and her husband moved to Warmun in the 1970s. Queenie was a very loved and respected member of her community. She did not have any children of her own but took on the important responsibility of bringing up many children.

Queenie McKenzie was inspired to paint by her friend, Rover Thomas. She used ochre (natural earth pigments) including soft pinks and purples, blended from the ochre that she mined herself. Queenie was awarded the honour of being appointed as an official Living Treasure.