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International artist Chris Mackie grew up in the working class village of Gawthorpe, England. He 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 Chris began to take his art seriously.
Chris painted a series of Pop art images of popular iconic figures from 2003-2006. As well as doing commissions he exhibited and sold his works in the Coppergate Gallery, York, N. Yorkshire. In 2006 Chris moved to New Zealand and after a life changing experience he moved onto painting more powerful and meaningful works with much more emotional content. He feels that there is more to art than working from photos and that true art comes from within i.e imagination. Chris was introduced to pastels by British artist Mike Wrigglesworth in 2005 where he also took several classes in this his favourate medium.
As well as his own life's journey Chris's biggest inspiration comes from British master painter L.S. Lowry, his favorite childhood artist. He loved the simplicity and the power of his works. Lowry’s working class folk with their big shoes and plain clothes brought him back to his childhood stirring up memories from his past. Lowry still remains his favorite artist today.
In 2007 Chris sold one of his paintings 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'
Chris was blown away by this. To be able to communicate with someone through his art gave him a great feeling of satisfaction, motivation and a real sense of belonging.
Chris is involved in numerous charities and is always looking to raise funds by the way of donating his original paintings. He will now only do commissions for charity.
