Wildflowers and Hills | Caz Mackenzie

Caz MacKenzie is an artist based in Orange, NSW, on Wiradjuri Land.

A self-taught painter, Caz has always had a passion for drawing since childhood but discovered her true love for painting later in life.

Her vibrant contemporary landscapes are deeply influenced by the rolling hills, expansive skies, and rural vistas of her hometown and surrounds.

Her painting journey began as a search for a creative outlet after becoming a mother, leading her to fall in love with the medium.

Caz’s creative process is often inspired by scenic country drives with her family and nostalgic reflections on her childhood.

Starting out as a simple sketch in her travel art kit for use later on in her home studio. Caz primarily works with acrylic on canvas and watercolour on paper.

Her work aims to offer viewers a visual experience that is both uncomplicated and evocative, inviting them to connect with their own memories and imagination.

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.”

Caz MacKenzie, 2025.

Read more here.

Shipping to anywhere in Australia is jut $80 for this work. International shipping is available on request.