Ted McKenzie

Ted McKenzie

Degree: Fine Art
University: City and Guilds of London Art School
Graduation Year: 2024

New Blood Art Commentary

Invited Artist - What Artists Like

Ted McKenzie (b.1999, United Kingdom) is an artist based in London, where he has been painting landscapes from direct observation since his graduation. His approach to painting is deeply rooted in the belief that nearly every scene he encounters holds the potential to be transformed into a work of art. For McKenzie, the act of painting begins with a literal translation of what he sees, exploring the subtle nuances between life and paint. He views this process as a form of transformation, where each brushstroke brings the subject into a new, emotive existence.

Working in front of his subject in focused, singular sessions, McKenzie’s paintings are influenced by a variety of conditions, including the time available, his emotional connection to the subject, and most notably, the ever-changing specifics of light and weather. His works often surprise him with their thematic depth, emerging organically as a byproduct of his practice. Ultimately, McKenzie hopes that his paintings capture and clarify the unique emotions and beauty inherent in their subjects.

Having completed his BA at City and Guilds of London Art School, McKenzie’s work has been featured in exhibitions across London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and New York. Recent shows include Before We Go to Sleep with Alice Delhanty at Love Waxes Cold, Hackney Wick, Au Lapin Agile curated by Toby Ursell at BayArt, Cardiff, and You Crazy Childcurated by Esme Keenleyside and Rhiannon Richardson at Turps Gallery, London. McKenzie is currently shortlisted for the New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize 2024.

Artist Statement

Since graduating I have been painting landscapes from observation in London. I feel that I can see a painting in nearly everything I look at, so when I paint my starting point is always to try to work literally. I enjoy the translation from life into paint in its subtlety, and see making a painting as a kind of transformative process. Working in front of a painting’s subject in singular sessions, my work is influenced by many conditions, such as the time available and my feelings towards the subject, but mostly by the specifics of the light and weather conditions of the day. I find my paintings touch on many themes, though these often come as a surprise, arising as a byproduct of my practice. Ultimately, my hope is my paintings contain, or clarify, some of the specific emotion and beauty of their subjects.

Ted McKenzie (b.1999, United Kingdom) is an artist living and working in London following his BA studies at City and Guilds of London Art School. His paintings have been exhibited in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and New York. Recent exhibitions include Before we go to sleep with Alice Delhanty at Love Waxes Cold, Hackney Wick, London, Au Lapin Agile curated by Toby Ursell at BayArt, Cardiff and You Crazy Child curated by Esme Keenleyside and Rhiannon Richardson at Turps Gallery, London. Ted is currently short-listed for the New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize 2024.

Solo Exhibitions

(2021) Contested Space: 6 Paintings, Winemakers, Deptford, London

Group Exhibitions

(2024) Before we go to sleep, Love Waxes Cold, Hackney Wick, London

(2024) Space Junk, Strange Field, Glasgow

(2024) A Man Walks into a Bar, Woodshedding, Westcombe, Somerset

(2024) Au Lapin Agile, BayArt, Cardiff

(2024) You Crazy Child, Turps Gallery, London

(2024) Au Lapin Agile, Safehouse, Peckham, London

(2024) Degree Show, City and Guilds of London Art School, Kennington, London

(2023) From the Big Splash to the Last Splash Glasgow, Iota, Glasgow

(2023) From the Studio, Symes Mews, Camden, London

(2023) From the Big Splash to the Last Splash London, Terrace Gallery, Leyton, London

(2022) Let the World Come ‘Round, Teffia Primary, Kingston, New York

(2022) Oxmarket Open, Oxmarket Contemporary, Chichester

(2022) Impressions, Ugly Duck, London Bridge, London

(2022) Pathways on Paper: In aid of Maggie’s, South Parade, Deptford, London

(2021) Foundation Show, Hereford College of Arts, Hereford

Competitions, Prizes & Awards

(2023) Runner-up for the Philip Connard Travel Award 2023

(2024) Shortlisted for the New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize