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

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Art quote from George Bernard Shaw

Pretty much says it all
Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable. George Bernard Shaw

Sunday, January 18, 2015

New Painting: Castle Hill Lighthouse at Sunset

This is the Castle Hill Lighthouse at the entrance to Newport Harbor in Rhode Island. Its a sunset Winter shot and looks rather frigid. Its 11 x 14 oil on canvas board and is available for 200 dollars. This is another painting I've done from photos posted on Facebook by Michael Blanchette Photography.   As usual, Mugs , bags  and other products are available via Zazzle.
Here's my painting

Science says art is great for your brain (DUH!)

So, once again we see science proves what we've know all long - Art is good for keeping your brain healthy, as we see in  this jerrysartarama blog post. Whether its analyzing what we see in a gallery or trying to figure how to create it, it keeps the brain active.
I like the end conclusion of this blog - "So next time you feel like your job or home life is stressing you out too much, maybe a trip to the museum or pulling out your paints or art journal might just help relieve stress and lower cortisol levels a bit more than happy hour."
Do Art!
Your Brain on Art (from the article)
Processing art


Wednesday, January 7, 2015