"I think painting these landscapes is a connection to my inner self, my father, my childhood and home." Caz Mackenzie

The fabulous Orange-based artist Caz Mackenzie is part of our upcoming group show, Life in Colour.

We are thrilled to welcome the brilliant Orange-based painter Caz Mackenzie to Tyger for our upcoming show, Life in Colour.

The show brings together more than 30 incredible artists from all over the country.

Please join us on Saturday 16 November from 1pm as we celebrate Life in Colour in the company of the amazing artists involved in the show. Put your name down for this FREE event here, and pop your contact details on the mailing list to get early pre-sales access.

Caz Mackenzie is an artist based in Orange, NSW, on Wiradjuri Land, whose vibrant contemporary landscapes are deeply influenced by the rolling hills, expansive skies, and rural vistas of her hometown. Her beautiful work gives viewers a visual experience that is both uncomplicated and evocative, inviting them to connect with their own memories and imagination.

We are HUGE fans of her work, and so excited to get her into Life in Colour.

Ahead of the show opening, Caz told us about her creative space, getting absorbed by colours, and painting as a way of connecting to times, places, and people that you love.

Where do you create your work?

"I paint at home. There is a room at the front of our home which we initially made into a 'library' instead of a home theatre. We have all our books, antiques and precious pretty things I have collected over the years. It's a space for quiet cups of tea with a book or crossword. It has lovely light and looks onto the front porch and yard."

"As I became more dedicated to my painting I have taken over half the space for my 'studio'. This is my happy place. A place which is always cluttered and messy but beautiful and relaxing. I see my easel and artwork every morning when I walk out of my bedroom. It's also the first room visitors see when they enter my home. I love being there and creating. The only thing I need is more space!"

How do you create your work?

"I often carry a small sketchbook or watercolour travel kit around with me. If I get the opportunity to draw or do a quick painted sketch then I will. otherwise a photo for later inspiration comes in handy."

"I will sketch out the basic shapes and layout of my painting in my sketchbook then do the same on the canvas. I usually only get to paint in the evenings once my kids are asleep. I paint for about 2-3 hours at a time until I need sleep!

"Once I start painting, though, there is often no real plan for layout. I will absorb myself into the colours and canvas in front of me. The decision to make some fields pink and others purple just happens as I go."

"I often have a playlist of chilled out music I can sing a long to so that my brain can focus on just the painting. I will then assess what I have done and then make any notes on how I might need to add or change things here. I'm sure if I planned more then I would make less changes as I went. BUT I think that if I have less demands and decisions made when I start then I am less anxious about the process and end outcome."

"I started painting as a way to creatively express myself after becoming a mother and needing an outlet for myself."

"I grew up in Orange and spent many weekends at a small bit of bush out near Canowindra owned by my parents. I lOVE the drive out there and anywhere around Orange really. The hills, trees, paddocks, animals and skies are all beautiful no matter what season."

"After my father passed away I found any country drive out around that way quite emotional. I now love going on a Sunday drive with my kids and visiting places just for the fun of it and to see the countryside as you drive or stop to explore. I think painting these landscapes is a connection to my inner self, my father, my childhood and home."

Tell us about Patchwork Landscape, your piece in Life in Colour

"This is one that I did not plan. I started painting this one night when listening to music and wanted to work on a larger canvas. Bigger paintings have a bigger energy and I just started laying out the paint. After I while all these 'far away' paddocks appeared. I just kept going! I defined it more each time I worked on it. I like to imagine you are floating in the clouds overlooking the patchwork landscape below."

What inspires you?

"I like to think that there is a special person out there for every artwork I make. I hope that when they see it they know it's theirs and are connected to it. I just feel the need to paint or draw, it's not always easy but I love it."

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

"Joy."

Register for the opening celebration of Life in Colour on Saturday 16 November here.