Kylie Mackay Artist

08/01/2026

There are no words our hearts have been shattered into a million pieces

Our beautiful Floyd
June 2017-January 2026

26/07/2025

Another sketchbook study, and maybe my most successful attempt at trois crayon so far.
I took a bit more time with this one. My day job’s all about fast turnarounds, so I’m wired to finish things quickly. With my art, I’m trying to unlearn that. To pause and take a breath.
The key focus for me here was unifying the shadows, and while it might look different to me next week, right now, it feels like I landed closer to what I was trying to achieve.
Sanguine, charcoal, and white pencil on toned paper.

The beautiful model is Nadia via patreon reference images.

22/07/2025

I’ve was testing out a limited palette with this sketch of Nadia, using charcoal, white, and sanguine in my toned sketchbook, trying for the trois crayon feel. The reference of Nadia is from Patreon (highly recommend), and I ended up mixing tools a bit, Cretacolor oil leads, Staedtler Lumograph, and some bold white for the highlights.
Part prep for a painting, part experiment.
I’d like to do a few more poses using this setup. It’s really satisfying using just three colours, keeps a bit of focus.

17/07/2025

09/07/2025

This is my fourth sketch on the ColourFix smooth paper for this one I went a bit wilder. I’m blaming his fabulous hair and the green colour, it called out for more in the background, like a garden that’s a bit extra, a tad unkempt but still the perfect place to sit and enjoy, with a little sun warming you up. Portrait reference via patreon

08/07/2025

This colour is everywhere this winter in Melbourne, there is something really solid and warm about it, it feels like a perfect match. Portrait reference via patreon

08/07/2025

I really enjoyed exploring the shapes on my last sketch, letting the paper do most of the work. I have quite a few sheets of the toned paper, so here we go a little colour/shape exercise series. I have matched each subject to a tone that suits them, almost like picking up on their aura. These matches just feel right to me and I would love to know if you would choose differently. These fabulous portrait references are all from patreon

01/07/2025

Something a bit different from me, this sketch is from a black-and-white reference shared by over on his Patreon. Went for an atelier feel with this one - white chalk on toned paper, shaping it all through light, and a bit of black charcoal to emphasise those shadow shapes. He’s got a great, watchful expression. Something about the blue and white makes me think of a lighthouse keeper. Might have to throw in a bit of red and really lean into that nautical feel...
Always trying to say more with less. Would love to know what you think.

Art Spectrum Colourfix smooth in Storm Blue, Generals Charcoal - Black, Sewline white chalk

21/06/2025

Only four drawings this week as I took a little detour on Thursday to see CJ Hendry’s installation at Chadstone. If you’re in Melbourne, it’s so worth a visit.
I haven’t forgotten about painting, I’m just buried in commissions at the moment, so for now, it’s all sketchbook pages.
That said, I think a couple of these might have legs to become finished paintings later on… we’ll see what sticks.

Hope you enjoy this week’s batch ✍️

Image references from Satine Zillah