John Mackie, born in Glasgow in 1953 and currently residing in Haworth, Yorkshire, discovered his passion for vibrant and colorful drawing from an early age. He honed his skills at the Glasgow School of Art from 1973 to 1976, where he was introduced to the works of Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro, particularly drawing inspiration from Monet's impressionist style.

In 1976, Mackie received the W H Shanks award for drawing and a traveling scholarship from the Scottish Arts Council (1976/77), which led him to explore art in America and Canada. His artistic journey also took him to Italy and France, where he found inspiration in the landscapes and cities of Tuscany, Umbria, Chianti, and Paris.

Over the past three decades, Mackie has exhibited extensively in galleries across the UK and internationally, including the Royal Scottish Academy, the USA, Germany, London, and Ireland. Whether working with oil or pastel, his art is characterized by a rich and vibrant palette, strong compositions, and the ability to transport viewers to the scenes he captures, whether it's the warmth of a French meadow, the energy of a continental market square, or the romance of Venice and Paris.