About Me

My photo
Paramus, New Jersey, United States
No, this in not a blog about gardening in any way, but a journal of my journey to become a professional landscape painting artist. For years, I’ve given my paintings as wedding gifts without thinking of profiting in some way from it. I worked for 18 years at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC as a computer programmer. I have been a painter since 1990, coincidentally, when I started working at the Met. I watched Bob Ross do his thing on Channel 13 in New York and decided I could do this, too. I have no formal training. I incorporate Bob's wet-on-wet technique for sky and water. My subject matter is covered bridges, lighthouses, fishing village scenes, barns, etc. Maine, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Nova Scotia and Spain are some of the places I have painted. My style is detailed and sometimes people think a photo of the painting is an actual photo of the scene. I hope to continue and grow in this medium. I also like to cook & dance. I am also a committed Christian. I am taking commissions - painting your landscapes style photos or your vacation home. Prices on request. contact me - Jackmck@juno.com my website is www.artofjackmckenzie.com

Friday, March 22, 2013

New Painting - Warwick NY Barns in Fall II

Barns are on of my favorite painting subjects. Sadly, due to redevelopment or neglect, they are disappearing at a rapid rate. Its a great icon of the American spirit, so I think all of us artists, whether by paint or photo or other medium, should get out there and document them before they disappear. This is the second barn I've done from the Warwick NY area. I went wandering around there last fall taking pictures and got some good ones. Its 11 x14 oil on canvas board going for 200 dollars. If you would like to buy a mug or other product with this image, check it out here - Mugs

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

A different kind of bird feeder - colorful yarn for their nests

We artistic types like to make our environments more cheerful and colorful. Thats why we paint and sculpt and plant gardens and many other such activities. I came across this on Pinterest and its another way to influence your environment This may be an old thing for many but  this is a different kind of bird feeder - one containing colorful yarns that you local birds can use to build their nests. Bird will use whatever is on hand to build them and and this makes colorful bits of yarn available for that purpose. Check out the website for this picture fiberfarm - bird yarn. Enjoy! And maybe attach shiny bits of buttons or crystals to some of them to give some flash to the nests, too!


Friday, March 15, 2013

Artpromotivate article - 10 annoying things said to artists

Every so often, the various artist sites give us lists of things said to artists that show the general lack of appreciation of the general public for the labor and talent involved or any way they can get us to do something for free in a backhanded unintended insulting way. This is another good one. Lots of annoying comments here. I'm posting the list but check the article, too for the comment section.





10 annoying things people say to artists

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

New Painting: Lighthouse - Barnegat Bay II

As I've said a few times before, I love the Jersey Shore. The damage from Hurricane Sandy saddens me. But we, being Jersey Strong, will rebuilt better. This painting is my second one of the Barnegat Bay Lighthouse on the northern tip of Long Beach Island. I like the strong contrast of light and dark here, This is and 11 x 14  oil on canvas board. 200 dollars.  If you enjoy this image, you might like to purchase a Mug for your drinking pleasure.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

How to feel fulfilled as an Artist - from Ara Colours

A friend is a "Like"er of Ara Colours page on FB (Check them out) and reposted this poster with a number of reasons how to feel fulfilled as an artist. Lots of good ones here. Ponder!