In the spirit of blog anniversaries, I wanted to do a series of special posts for the month of June. Last year, I didn't acknowledge my 3rd Blogging Anniversary for that year--I am not sure why, but I do think any blog-milestone is important to at least mention. So, cheers to 4 years of The Yellow Spectacles!
While I have undergone {still undergoing a bit} of a blog re-branding I wanted to do something {a post} that goes back to my original blogging roots--a little feature on the whimsical artist, Mack Ro Illustrations aka Jen Scully. Let me tell you, her art is magic. 💕💕
Perhaps, one of my favorite things {in the world} are whimsical illustrations--I am not sure why, but I think other people's point of view on others {life in general} is so interesting. If you follow my blog, you'll notice that I occasionally work with illustrators from Emily Stanbury, Park & Mads, to a digital artist named, Natalia.
However, today is about Jen & this adorable whimsical take on a birthday picture I posted this past May--it's pink, playful, & pretty much me--on the best of days of course!
💛The Yellow Spectacles:
How'd you get started illustrating & drawing?
Jen:
For as long as I can remember, I've always had a marker, paintbrush, or pencil in hand. I was lucky to have a family and education that encouraged me to grow artistically, although I never imagined it could turn into a career. I took many art classes in high school and went on to major in psychology in college while taking fine art and graphic design classes on the side.
When I graduated I heard about art therapy and thought that would be the perfect blend of my two passions. I went on to get a master's degree in Art Therapy and began working as an art therapist in nonprofits, mainly with children experiencing loss of illness. I spent a lot of time doing art with kids and families through my job but lacked the time to do much of it on my own. It wasn't until I had my second child in 2014 that I had this revelation that I could pursue my own career in art, and I began painting for me again. Shortly after, I started my business, Mack & Ro.
💛TYS:
Currently, what inspires your art?
Jen:
SO MANY THINGS! Color, textures, music, the outdoors, fashion, my friends, collaborations... the list goes on. I have two sides of my business. The first is Mack & Ro (Art & More). I have original art on canvas and paper, photography, as well as a wallpaper line. This is all largely inspired by my coastal roots and surroundings. I've always lived near the ocean and to me it is a way of life that brings me serenity and the freedom to let go. While I'm an east coast (New England) girl, I like to say I'm a West Coast girl trapped in an East Coast body (: My style is influenced by the colors, textures, and sounds that put together create this coastal vibe.
The second part of my business is Mack + Ro Illustrations, which is where you'll find my custom portraits and some fun prints available. I love the playfulness of Mack + Ro Illustrations. The actual work is quick and has a whimsical feel to it. I am always inspired by the photos people send to me for their portraits. They are these little snapshots into a stranger's life, and I have the awesome job of creating something meaningful and lasting based on them. While my work is quite minimalistic, I love the details - the plaid on a little boys shirt, or the pompoms on a little girls headband. These things MAKE the picture!
I've always lived near the ocean and to me, it is a way of life that brings me serenity and the freedom to let go. While I'm an east coast (New England) girl, I like to say I'm a West Coast girl trapped in an East Coast body (: My style is influenced by the colors, textures, and sounds that put together create this coastal vibe. -Jen.
Mack + Ro Illustrations
💛TYS:
Do you have a favorite illustration thus far? If so, elaborate a bit.
Jen:
I had to think hard about this question. They are each so special to me and I so honored to be given the opportunity to paint them all. There are some that I especially love because of the special meaning behind them. Maybe it is a couple just engaged, or an expecting couple, or a HUGE family reunion picture. I feel so lucky to capture special moments like these. There are others that I just love so much because of an adorable dress or pose, and artistically I just fall in love. Long story short - I don't think I can pick just one favorite!
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| Custom Portrait by Jen Scully |
💛TYS:
If you could meet & draw one person-in person who would you like it to be?
Jen:
This one stumped me too! While it's fun to scroll through Instagram to find inspiration from celebrities, I really love meeting and hearing from complete strangers who take a leap and ask me to do their portraits. If you had to nail me down, and I could travel through time (ha, ha), I'd say I'd love to go back in time and do one of my mom when she was a kid, and her mom (my grandmother). They had a really special bond and I'd have loved to capture that in their younger years.
💛TYS:
If others are looking to commission you for work--how can they get ahold of you? (send me your site link/social handle etc)
Jen:
For custom portraits, they can learn more on my website: www.mackandroillustrations.com and see my work on Instagram (@mackandro_illustrations). My other website is www.mackandroshop.com / Instagram @mackandro. There, people can find original work on canvas and paper, wallpaper, and more!
Thanks, Jen & it's a colorful bet that I am looking forward to her playful take on what inspires her this summer. Actually, I think we all will are!
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