ABOUT THE WORK

Writing was my first love. In my childhood, I filled countless journals with my short stories and thoughts on life. But as a young adult I went through some life-changing events, and I found myself drowning in my attempts to sort it out on the page. 

Art saved me. I discovered in this new season I could speak more clearly in charcoal and paint as the marks were not bound by language. This freedom of expression allowed me to process my pain, finding beauty in the chaos without needing to understand it all. 

Many years later, I still find freedom and joy in creating art. I love the playfulness of watercolor and ink wash, seeing how they move and create seemingly on their own, and then I can follow where the story goes on the paper. I find the finished piece often expresses something I didn’t even know was in me.

All images copyright Mackenzie Schmidt.
All rights reserved. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

I have always loved storytelling in all its various forms. I started my career in corporate public relations and then spent many years as a graphic designer, helping entrepreneurs define their brands and tell their stories online. During my 20s in Portland, Oregon, I found ways to use my paintings in fundraising and advocacy efforts for causes I cared about. In this new stage of life, I enjoy participating in Denver’s thriving art scene.

I live this crazy life with my husband Andrew and our two little spitfires, Louisa and Indy. When we’re not working, you can find us hanging with neighbors at the park, drinking too much coffee and cleaning our kitchen (does that ever end?). 

  • Colorado State University, art and communications

  • Pacific Northwest College of Art, design and illustration

  • Whole Artist Mastery apprenticeship with Marianne Mitchell

  • Works included in various group shows, including the Art Gym and the Summer Art Market

  • Always happy to donate work for causes I care about (anti-trafficking, equal rights and more)

CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM

Getting all my pieces framed and ready for SAM in a few weeks! Shoutout to my neighbor and amazing artist Laura Varsafsky (@lauravartist), for helping me navigate the world of framing.
Mark your calendars for this year’s Summer Art Market with the Art Students League of Denver! This is a long tradition of the league, giving you access to more than 100 emerging and seasoned artists over the weekend. I’ve grown so much th
Sorting work in the new studio space today. We’ve been working on remodeling our old covered porch for almost a year and it feels good to move in! #abstractart #coloradoartist #denverartist #denverart #contemporaryart #artstudio #abstractport
Collaboration with the 3- and 6-year-old: “the storm comed up”
This ended in a mess and a meltdown but it was fun while it lasted. And I love the end result. #kidart #watercolor #denverartist
Reigniting my love for charcoal this week. Love how fast and messy and layered it can be. #charcoaldrawing #abstractdrawing #coloradoartist