Vicki Brown is an oil painter who started lessons in 2017 with three other beginners and a quietly spoken bearded teacher. She quickly came to really enjoy the Tuesday evening oil painting sessions and now predominately works from her home studio in Albany. Vicki is one of the regular artists who paints and features her work in Art Chatter Gallery (inside Strike Me Pink Nursery, 4 Langton Road Mt Barker WA) and online at artchattergallery.com.au
Barry Mackie is the other half of BROWN and the BEARD he has been painting in oils forever (yes he’s that old). Barry is inspired by the old Australian Masters, he loves Aussie characters, landscapes – up close and from above. He has work hanging in homes around the world, painted predominately in a small studio behind his house where he conducts his art classes. Barry is the drive, inspiration and lead artist for Art Chatter Gallery in Mount Barker, where he and various artists paint each day in the gallery studio space. Barry is a teacher, mentor and friend of many aspiring and working artists.
Vicki says ‘Barry is the reason I am addicted to oil painting and ventured into exhibitions. With the opportunity to have an Albany venue inside the Hayshed at Handasyd’s strawberry farm and cafe, for the Southern Art & Craft Trail in 2024 came about, Barry (who says ‘Vicki’s the reason he drinks’) was the person she rang to share the space. The only thing they needed then was a name (without swear words in it) BROWN and the BEARD came to mind in the spur of the moment, and it looks like it is sticking. You can make contact through any of their online or social media pages or leave a message on 0898 447 101.
