DEAN DAY GALLERY

ARTIST STATEMENT

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Wayne Mckenzie's art emanates a laid back confidence that is a reflection of his Australian upbringing. With loose brushwork and bold use of color, he brings a unique perspective to the contemporary North American art world. Wayne's strong sense of design is derived from the Aboriginal art of his native Australia. His paintings are a visual journey that allows the essence of his subject matter to come to life.

 

After establishing a reputation as a talented plein air artist in Colorado by winning multiple awards at the states premier plein air event, Wayne moved his family to the competitive Californian market. His arrival has resulted in a flood of accolades and awards including First Place at the 2013 Napa Valley Art Festival,  Best of Show  at the 2012 Holiday Treasures Salon, 2nd Place at the 2013 Los Gatos Plein Air Festival, 3rd Place at the 2014 Los Gatos Plein Air Festival, 3rd place at Randy Higbee Galleries 6 Inch Squared Exhibition and jurors choice at California Art Club's "Waterscapes" Exhibition. Wayne was chosen as a finalist in both the 2013 and 2014 Plein Air Salon, a national competition presented by Plein Air Magazine. 

 

Wayne has appeared in various publications throughout the United States. He was most recently honored as a feature artist in the hardcover book "Best of Artists-Oil-Global edition" by Kennedy Publishing. Renowned art critic Susan Viebrock wrote, "Anyone who doesn't love a Mckenzie, must have a low opinion of joy....big personality- big work" and went on to describe his work as having, "a delightful sense of movement, vibration and exuberance." He currently divides his time between his studios in Lake Tahoe, California and Telluride, Colorado.

 

His work appears in private collections throughout North America, Europe and Australia.