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Ian MacKenzie - Narrative & Photorealist Artist & Author

Writer's picture: Jordan BrinkworthJordan Brinkworth


At the age of 7, Ian handed to his teacher a picture of a cowboy that he had drawn. This however was more good than bad or ugly. for this was to be Ian's first entry into an art competition. Though, as he funnily exclaims, he hopes that his work has improved since then!




His time as an artist was nevertheless, to be cut short. As a talented sketcher right throughout school, he was keen to enhance his artistic skills by studying and practicing art at A-level. Yet he was told by those around him that there was no money to be made as an artist and that he should instead get a job in the police force. His time as a police officer was however, an incredibly successful one.


Not only did he rise to the rank of Inspector, but had the chance to meet with both high ranking politicians and violent criminals - something which, as we shall see, would come to greatly influence upon his artwork later on.


Ian also loved Karate, however, once a nasty injury put an end to this, he decided that he needed a new challenge and chose to go back to painting, but this time it was different. 'What', he thought, 'could I really do this time to push myself, what is the hardest thing I could do?'


That, he found was Photorealism.


Extensive planning, geometry and listening in art class, along with a heap of talent, has allowed Ian to create the paintings that he presents to us. Indeed, it is hard to tell if they are paintings at all.


Oil, Ian tells me, is the essence of his work, as it allows him to hone in on the contrast between light and dark - mimicking almost the flash of the camera. Ian also layers the oil to bring about the brilliant colours we see.



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