John Mackie was born in 1953 in Glasgow and studied at the Glasgow school of Art in the 1970’s where he learned of and admired the bold colour use and draughtsmanship of the Glasgow boys and the Scottish Colourists.

His early influences were Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne and Van Gogh.

John travelled to the USA and Canada under a scholarship scheme and spent time travelling and living in France and Italy, the south of France being where he felt most at home and was very inspired by and enjoyed painting many of the bustling markets and avenues, which still feature prominently in his work today.

He has exhibited widely for over 40 years at the Scottish Royal Academy and worldwide, his work is also held in numerous corporate and private collections in many countries around the world.

John currently lives in West Yorkshire with his wife and two daughters.