Chris Mackie's Page

First Name

Chris

Last Name

Mackie

Age

35-55

Which of the following best describe you?

Painter, Other

How often are you the first among your friends to try something new?

Very often

What do you want people to know most about you?

I'm an all-round good bloke : )

I grew up in the working class village of Gawthorpe, England. I developed an interest in art from an early age producing pencil sketches of super heroes and icons from the big screen, however it wasn't until 2003 that I began to take my art seriously.

I painted a series of Pop art images of popular iconic figures from 2004-2006. As well as doing commissions I've exhibited and sold my works in the Coppergate Gallery, York, N. Yorkshire. In 2006 I moved to New Zealand and after a life changing experience I began to paint more powerful and meaningful works with much more emotional content using soft pastel. I feel that there is more to art than working from photos and that true art comes from within i.e imagination. As for using pastel, I feel that this is my true medium. Blending the colours with my hand makes me feel that I'm 'IN' the painting.

In 2007 one of my paintings sold in a charity auction and on asking the buyer why she liked it, she replied; 'It communicates with my dark vulnerable side that I don't display in public'
I was blown away by this. To be able to communicate with someone through my art gave me a great feeling of satisfaction, motivation and a real sense of belonging.

I am involved in numerous charities and I am always looking to raise funds by the way of donating original paintings and Ltd Ed prints. I will now only do commissions for charity.

Being a completely self taught artist I believe that I was born with the ability that enables me to create my work.

“Pastel is my preferred medium. To be able to have no tool i.e. brush of palette knife between my hand and the working surface gives me great satisfaction. Touching the surface and blending the pastels with my hand feels natural and gives me a sense that I am literally ‘IN’ the painting”
Me.

What is your website address?

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chris-mackie.html

How did you hear about Brooklyn Art Project?

A friend