The art world goes crazy for teenage artist Makenzy Beard, who only started painting in lockdown

Virgin Radio

14 Oct 2021, 12:45

Credit: Twitter / @MakenzyBeard

Credit: Twitter / @MakenzyBeard

A 14-year-old decided to take up painting as a hobby during lockdown, and art lovers are glad she did!

Makenzy Beard from Swansea only put paint to canvas for something to do because she was unable to play hockey due to coronavirus restrictions, but it turns out she’s quite the artist. Her work has attracted attention from all over the world, with some collectors offering thousands of pounds for her paintings.

Her art is now on display at Blackwater Gallery in Cardiff, and one of the pieces has reportedly received an offer of £10,000.

Makenzy’s talent started getting attention when a portrait of a local farmer in a black woolly hat and hi-vis jacket went viral after it was posted on Twitter in June this year. It was selected to be shown at the Royal Academy Young Artists’ summer show in London.

Her most recent project is an incredible portrait of her grandfather Bernard Davies, or, as she calls him, Grampa.

It is currently on display with some of her other portraits at Blackwater Gallery, although, because of its sentimental value, this one is not up for sale.

The gallery’s director, Kimberley Lewis, told BBC: "I think anyone can be a good portrait artist, but I think it takes a lot to show real personality and the soul of a person through their pieces and I think for someone so young, Makenzy does this brilliantly."

Makenzy said: "This is a whole new step for me. Going from having your work in your own shed or posting it on social media, but then to have experts in the art world recognising your work and to actually want it in their space to show it off is really nice.

The Bishopston Comprehensive student added: “I don't think I want to be an artist as a job but I want to have this on the side.

“I think it's quite nice to have a balance between art and academic stuff. I also want to travel and play sport.” 

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