NAME David MacKenzie

LOCATION Perthshire, Scotland.

DID YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL TRAINING? I am self taught

SUBJECT OF CHOICE Wildlife

MEDIUM OF CHOICE Acrylics

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?  My early life was spent in North America where my parents travelled extensively. It was during this time that I gained my deep love for the natural environment. Wildlife of all varieties were common in my home, we even had a tame wolf for a pet who would take me for walks in the woods....all at the age of 4. One day we even had a bear try to come inside the cabin. It’s safe to say my best friends were always animals.

Due to my love for animals I worked as deputy head keeper at Edinburgh  Zoo for 10 years with big cats, bears & wolves while also working with a wide variety of other animals & birds. Gaining this intimate relationship with animals at a very close level over the years has helped give me an eye to detail to enable me to bring my art to life rather than just replicate it. With each painting I always try to construct the scene as a whole to bring it to life.

In my art I try to imagine the story behind the scene to create an emotion & give a connection for the viewer. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY ARTISTIC AMBITIONS THAT YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS? To be able to paint full time and show my works to the widest audience as possible.

LINKS TO Facebook     https://www.facebook.com/DMackenzieWoodlandStudio

AWARDS N/A

EXHIBITIONS 

In 2019 I had 2 solo exhibitions as well as taking part in a local charity fundraising event for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance.  This is an annual event where I donate a painting each year to raise funds for the SCAA charity.

At present my work can also be seen in the Melrose Gallery in the Scottish borders & at the Number 4 Gallery at St Abbs, near Coldingham, Scotland.

DO YOU OFFER WORKSHOPS / TUITION / COMMISSIONS? I am able to offer commissions.