For over 30 years Dan Mackin has captured his memories on canvas of exotic trips to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the South Pacific, Asia and the rainforests of South America. Mackin began sketching and painting tropical islands and marine life in 1971 when his camera fell overboard during a sailboat trip. Having just returned from Vietnam, Mackin and a friend took off from Newport beach, Calif., and headed south. They ended up in Central America. “We bought this 24-foot sailboat together and left with $235 between us,†says Mackin. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Mackin supported himself with a variety of mini-careers after earning his Master’s in education, all the while honing his skills as an artist. In 1992 he began devoting his full attention to painting, and since then has commanded $4,000 to $18,000 per original, as well as releasing limited editions, lithographs, posters and giclee print editions.
His paintings can be seen in homes throughout the world. Some individuals who have commissioned him are football players: Andre Reed and Brad Culpeper, and entertainer, Arsenio Hall. |
