Painter and former National Gallery director Betty Churcher dies

Betty Churcher, one of Australia's most accomplished and ground-breaking arts administrators, has died aged 84 after a brief illness.

Ms Churcher was the first woman to be appointed director of the National Gallery of Australia where she earned a reputation for bringing some of the world's best art to local audiences through temporary exhibitions.

The success of the ventures, which attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Canberra gallery, also earned her the nickname "Betty Blockbuster".

Ms Churcher died peacefully on Monday night surrounded by her four sons.

In a recent interview, she described her life as one of being busy, long, fruitful and without regrets.