Let’s get to know Australian artist Maggi McDonald (@maggimcdonaldart). She combines soft textures with bold colour to capture still life, nature, and lots and lots of flowers 🌸 Find out about her journey to creating down below!

How did you get into creating? Tell us your origin story…

I remember dreaming of being an artist when I was growing up and loving art class in school - I still remember the smell of oil pastels and poster paint from when I was about 8 years old. Becoming an artist was not a great career option when I left school, so I ended up doing a language degree instead. Then life happened, and I didn’t have much time for being creative, but I kept looking for a creative outlet.

After a tough time personally, I realised that life is too short not to follow my creative dreams and decided to go back to school and study design. The design course was very visual arts focused, so I rediscovered my love of painting and started playing around with acrylics and palette knives. I shared what I was doing on Instagram, sold my first painting to a friend, my mother-in-law commissioned an artwork, and I’ve been painting ever since.

That was 9 years ago, and I have never looked back. I am forever grateful to be able to paint and create every day.

What’s your creative process like? Are you a planner or do you just jump in and learn as you go?

I am equal parts very planned and very spontaneous - I will sometimes plan artworks before I paint them and other times just pick up my paintbrush and see what happens! I think the two parts of my brain complement each other well and I lean into whichever side is the loudest at the time. When it comes to colour palettes, I usually start with the first colour and then just see where it goes from there as I love seeing what happens with each new layer of paint.

How do you balance making time for art with coaching and everyday life?

It is a juggle for sure, but I love routine and having set studio hours. Having routines in place helps me manage my time in my business and also helps with productivity. It can be tough to separate the two when you work from home, but it’s also exactly what I wanted when I started this creative business - the freedom to spend time with my family. I am very protective over my creative energy and have boundaries in place to make sure I don’t burn out which is super important for any creative business owner.

If your personality was a food, what would it be and why?

Hmm popping candy or pink fairy floss hehe. Personality wise, I’m as pink as my art and get super excited about everything, bouncing around with lots of energy like a pop rock!

We can see you’re a fan of bright colours and subtle texture – us too – what drew you to this art style?

I just love colour because it makes me happy. I believe the world needs as much colour as possible, and I try to create artworks that spark happiness. I’m a big fan of texture too and love using thick impasto acrylics to create textured artworks.

Tell us your dream creative set-up: location, décor, music – the works!

I’m at my happiest barefoot in my little home studio with some sunshine, 90’s house music and my dog Rex sleeping on the floor while I paint.

What’s something you’re proud of, that you don’t often get to talk about?

I’m really proud of having gone back to school at 37 to finally pursuing my dream of being an artist - it was hard work and mature age study is not for the faint-hearted, but I loved it and am so grateful that I took the plunge and did something for myself. I honestly never thought that I would be where I am today.

Aside from making and sharing your creative projects, what other hobbies do you enjoy?

I’ve recently started DJ’ing with my 17-year-old and I’m not very good at it, but I love it! I also love doing ceramics - I have a pottery wheel and love the process of working with clay. My mother was a ceramicist, and I grew up with her having a studio at home so it’s a very nostalgic hobby for me.

Do you have any advice for people who want to give creating a go but don’t know where to start?

Just have a go! Buy some paints and a canvas and just start painting. There are so many amazing tutorials available, and artmaking is so accessible these days. Take a class or sign up for a course and learn as much as you can. Creativity is for everyone and you just have to start somewhere.

Do you have a fave memory since starting @maggimcdonaldart?

I have so many beautiful memories but if I had to choose one it would be painting live at a beautiful fundraiser for a charity very close to my heart, The Pink Elephants Support Network. It was a special full circle moment for me.

Want to see more @maggimcdonaldart? Check out our gallery, where her art journey is featured or jump onto her website to browse artwork and artist resources. Stock up on texture mediums, canvas, and acrylics to explore this vibrant style at home. If you feel ready to create, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!

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