Makenzy Beard, a 17-year-old artist, has captivated art enthusiasts worldwide with her exceptional talent. Launching her career at just 14, Beard's work has gained international acclaim, with fans in the Middle East, the United States, and the United Kingdom eager to acquire her pieces. Notably, she has sold some of her artworks for an impressive £23,000. Showing her generosity, Beard has also donated three of her paintings to a charity auction set to take place on February 28 at the Atkinson Gallery in Street, Somerset.
The charity auction aims to raise funds for Millfield's Discover Brilliance campaign, an initiative that played a pivotal role in Beard's artistic journey. She received a scholarship from the campaign, which enabled her to further hone her skills. Reflecting on this support, Beard expressed her desire to help others in similar situations.
"I really want other young people to be given the same opportunity I was, and so this is going to be my way of giving back," Beard stated.
Beard's artistic journey began during the lockdown in March 2020 when she started painting canvases in a leaky garden shed using her mother's old paints. Her work quickly gained traction after a portrait of her neighbor went viral on social media that year. Since then, she has continued to develop her style and technique, culminating in a recent exhibition at Blackwater Gallery in Cardiff. The exhibition featured ten original artworks and six prints, showcasing the depth and breadth of her talent.
In 2023, Beard joined Millfield boarding school on an art and hockey scholarship, where she began formal painting lessons. These lessons have expanded her understanding of various artistic techniques and styles.
"I've picked up some weird little things, like understanding that it's better to use longer brushes when you want to paint something more freely," she mentioned.
"I've learned a little bit more about impressionism – so, not trying to make everything so realistic all the time, which I find difficult," Beard added.
Despite her success, Makenzy remains humble about her achievements and acknowledges the support she received from Millfield.
"I'm in a very fortunate position to be able to go to such a good school, and I wouldn't have been able to go had I not been financially supported," she reflected. "That's not a reason I want someone else to not reach their full potential."
Her story is a testament to how passion, combined with opportunity and hard work, can lead to remarkable success.
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