Teen artist Makenzy Beard has captured international art enthusiasts’ attention after painting a celebrity sitter during her appearance on the Portrait Artist of the Year television program.
Subjective Art Markets Challenge Predictable Results
Entering the professional sphere at a remarkably young age has proved to be a surreal experience for the young creator. Unlike traditional career paths where measurable effort directly translates to predictable outcomes, the fine art market operates entirely differently.
“It’s difficult to navigate because unlike lots of things where you work hard and kind of get results and do well, with art it’s so subjective,”
Makenzy Beard via bbc.com
She added further perspective on this valuation challenge:
“You can work hard and absolutely love something and if someone else doesn’t, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value.”
Makenzy Beard via bbc.com
Without formal training, her creative process relies heavily on instinct. Her working method shifts continually to reflect whatever she feels in the moment.
“I think having not been taught, everything I do is quite intuitive. I just do what I feel like and that’s always changing,”
Makenzy Beard via bbc.com
She also notes a shift in public perception regarding her age versus her actual output. As time goes on, collectors focus more heavily on the craft itself rather than her youth.
“As I’ve got older, people still, I suppose, have some nice things [to say] about my work, because it’s not about my age but the work itself.”
Makenzy Beard via bbc.com
Philosophy Inspires Paintings on Societal Subjects
Recent pieces by the young painter exhibit significantly more depth, a change she attributes to a developing fascination with philosophy. Her latest canvases aim to decode everyday observations while embedding subtle underlying commentaries.
“This collection tries to capture things I see in the world and [they] have little messages.”
Makenzy Beard via bbc.com
This evolving portfolio tackles serious societal subjects, including animal cruelty, child poverty, and mental health challenges. Alongside these heavy themes, the body of work also includes lighter takes on daily obstacles.
While her work touches on weighty themes, she remains cautious about steering too forcefully into overtly political commentary at this stage in her career.
“I do see the potential for my work to become more political as I get older but I have no desire to force my work into a direction,”
Makenzy Beard via bbc.com
She elaborated on her current stance regarding socio-political commentary:
“If things come to me and I want it to come through in my art then it will, but I don’t have a headstrong vision in terms of political stuff. I still feel a little bit young, too naive to project any of my opinions on these things.”
Makenzy Beard via bbc.com
Looking ahead, plans are underway to secure a gallery partnership to properly exhibit her newest collection to the public.
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