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

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Alyson Stanfield - 3 questions for a better artist statement

Artist statements are an essential part of letting the world know who you are and what you want to convey. It's your resume. In the business world, there are all sorts of ideas as to what should and should not be in your resume. Same with the artist. This post in art biz blog by Alyson Stanfield gives 3 good ideas what should be in there. The basic points are:
1) What do you want people to see in your work
2) What is a distinguishing characteristic of your work
3) What do people find delightful or surprising about your work

I occasionally get a good feedback on #2. There is a family camp in the Adirondacks called Camp-of-the-Woods that my family has gone to for generations. I've done a few paintings of the camp and they hand in the 3rd floor stairway of the main building. Some friends who did not know this passed by, saw them and thought "these look like Jack's paintings". On inspection of the signature, they discovered they were. My painting have distinguishing characteristics that people recognize. How to put that into a statement is the challenge

Sunday, April 26, 2015

New painting: Gifford Covered Bridge in Winter

Covered Bridges are one of my favorite things to paint, as I've said before. This is from a photo by Vermont Four Seasons Photography of the Gifford Covered Bridge in Vermont in the winter. I like to paint barns also, and this has both. I love the combination. You can purchase a mug or bag with this picture via Zazzle.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Bob Ross raps! Every day's a good day when you paint

I started painting because of Bob Ross. His technique may cause some sneering, but it has given a push of confidence to many people to start. Came across this digital remix of a number of Bob Ross-isms and creates a Bob Ross rap. I believe, I believe! Everyday day is a good day when you paint.


Thursday, April 2, 2015

New Painting: Maine Lobster Dock

Another  painting in the fishing village genre. A dock somewhere in Maine, the home base for a lobster fisherman. 11x14 oil on canvas board.