Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Nelson
Hi Mackenzie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Art has been a part of my life since I can remember. I was homeschooled through elementary school, which meant I had a little more free time to explore my creative side. My parents allowed me to rummage through old and inherited art supplies, which led to a lot of fun and messy experimentation. In high school, I began to take art more seriously. I was accepted into the Studio program at Brigham Young University. Although I loved my art classes, I put my education on hold after getting married and moving out of state. Later, while raising a family, I returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Science from Brigham Young University, Idaho. Although an art degree would have been my first choice, it wasn’t an option at that stage of my life. Despite that, I continued to create art through the years, developing my skills as a painter. In 2023, I decided it was time to take my art seriously and create a business around it. I began to create a lot more art, deepening my skills and refining my style. I dove into the world of creative entrepreneurship and discovered that I loved the business side of art almost as much as art creation itself. I learned how to design patterns and added that skill to my profession. I discovered art licensing and built portfolios to pitch to companies in various industries like wallpaper, fabric, wall art, home goods, and more. I now have patterns and artwork licensed with wallpaper companies like Loomwell, fabric companies like Carriage House Printery, and Wall Art with home decor companies like Kate and Laurel. It is extremely satisfying to see my artwork out in the world in so many different ways!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Shortly after my husband and I were married, he began to experience chronic health issues. A year after our first child was born, it got so bad that we wound up in the ER and discovered my husband was at death’s door. The ER doc said, “The only reason he’s still here is because he’s young and strong.” After blood transfusions and a hospital stay, we were sent home with new instructions and treatment plans. That was the beginning of many years of intense trials surrounding my husband’s health. For over a decade, we faced on-again, off-again periods of difficulty, with traumatic middle-of-the-night trips to the ER, surgeries, hospital stays, and all of the uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and financial difficulty that accompanies these sorts of trials. Thankfully, we had an extremely supportive family on both sides who helped us through it all. Looking back, we see how those many years of struggle refined us. There were many miracles, big and small, including two more children.
I use those experiences to connect deeper with my art during the creative process. Last year, I completed my first oil painting of Christ titled “Compassionate Redeemer.” This painting is extra special to me, not only because I painted my Savior but because I used my husband, Taylor, as my model. Taylor has suffered physically more than any other person I know. As the model for Christ, he represents Jesus, whose compassion for our suffering exceeds all understanding. Now, when I look at the painting, I see a man who has suffered and the Man who suffered for us.
Although there are still some struggles today, my husband is doing so much better, and we can live and plan for exciting things ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
To put it simply, I’m a fine artist, illustrator, and pattern designer. I paint true-to-life portraits, tranquil landscapes, and eye-catching florals. I also design feminine patterns for wallpaper, fabric, home goods, and more. It’s my mission to create artwork for myself and others that is both moving and beautiful. I love being an artist, and I absolutely love sharing my creations with those who connect with my art! I work in multiple paint mediums, including watercolor and gouache, but I paint most of my fine art using oil and acrylic. My heart lies with portraits, landscapes, and florals. I also have a new YouTube channel where I create educational art content every week.
Pattern design entered my life more recently, and I have since added that skill to my profession. I find so much satisfaction in designing feminine and floral patterns. It’s an honor to license my paintings and patterns to companies in many different industries. I offer my services as a commissioned portrait painter, and I create custom illustrations and patterns for individuals and companies. I’m excited to share that online art courses are in the works!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I don’t think I have one specifically, but the memories that bring a smile are camping with my family, playing night games in my neighborhood, and enjoying annual family reunions on both sides of my family. Aside from those, I remember a very happy childhood full of creativity.
Pricing:
- Commission 8″x10″ – $1050
- Commission 11″x14″ – $1275
- Commission 16″x20″ – $1800
- Commission 24″x36″ – $2700
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mackenzienelsonart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackenzienelsonart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mackenzienelsonart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mackenzienelsonart
