“I don't have a lot of space in my studio area so it can feel a little cramped when the canvas is gigantic.” Caz Mackenzie in GIGANTIC

Orange-based Caz Mackenzie is one of the amazing artists in GIGANTIC at Tyger.

We are delighted to welcome the fabulous Caz Mackenzie for GIGANTIC - our upcoming show of artists working on a GRAND scale.

Join us to celebrate the opening of this spectacular show on Saturday 26 April, 1-3pm. Register now to secure your spot at this FREE event - you'll be first to see all the works in GIGANTIC, and you’ll get to meet the artists involved.

Orange-based Caz’s vibrant and deliciously detailed landscapes are huge favourites of visitors to the gallery. Her work in GIGANTIC is the beautiful Wildflowers and Hills. 

It’s a gorgeous painting, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Ahead of the show opening, Caz told us about painting to inspire the viewer into a landscape, the cups of tea she didn’t get to drink, and musical chairs in her studio space.

What’s the story of this work?

"Wildflowers and Hills is a reflection of my love for the countryside around my hometown of Orange, NSW.” 

“Growing up here has instilled in me an appreciation for the sweeping views of local farmlands. These landscapes, alive with vivid colours and textures, inspire me to create colourful scenes that evoke the essence of nature’s charm.”

“With Wildflowers and Hills, I imagined fields of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze, inviting the viewer to step into the landscape and share the sense of tranquillity and wonder I feel when surrounded by the beauty of the countryside."

Tell us about how you create your work.

“Well, first I need to pop some music on in the background (an eclectic easy going mix).  Sometimes I make a cup of tea as well, but I usually become so engrossed in the painting it goes cold and I don't drink it.”

“I used a sketch from one of my sketchbooks as reference for the shapes of the hills. I start by roughly blocking the hills and main shapes of trees, editing and changing as I go. I always start with the sky, the furthest parts of the landscape, working my way down the canvas completing the closer elements last. “

“I used some rough bristle brushes to add the fields of wildflowers, then define sections of those as I feel fit. When I am finally finished I make sure the edges of the canvas are painted as well to match, then varnish to protect the artwork.”

What particular challenges came from working on a piece of this size?

“Well I don't have a lot of space in my studio area so it can feel a little cramped in my painting corner when the canvas is gigantic. I abandoned my beloved chair (it was my Dads and I feel him with me anytime I sit in it) and stand to paint for this size as it's easier to get to the canvas. I used some really good quality house painting brushes that hold lots of paint and give a really smooth coverage. Luckily my easel is large enough to hold a canvas of this size!”

What do you hope people feel when they see your work?

“Like they want to visit the place portrayed in the work and have a relaxing country stroll.”

Register now for the opening of GIGANTIC on Saturday 26 April, 1-3pm.