Bless Your Heart

“Alone in my studio, an inner calm pushes through the noise and chaos of creativity. In this moment, I don’t have a clue where it’s all going to go, so I surrender to the inevitable and immerse myself in the pastel, the paper, the sounds and the feelings…always the feelings…ultimately it’s what drives it all.” -Mackenzie Thorpe

In this original pastel on paper, Mackenzie Thorpe shows a single figure, small enough to be a child, sitting on the edge of a dock overlooking a calm and quiet lake. Signature to Thorpe’s style, the child is wearing a dark, hooded duffle coat and clutching a small, but vibrant, red heart. The child is faceless, as the viewers are meant to picture themselves or someone they may know in the image, regardless of race, gender or background; The figure represents every child.

The background of this image is filled with several dozen, highly detailed evergreen trees that lead up to a dark lake. The sky is dotted with stars that you will only see if you get outside of the city. The trees and stars in the night sky are reflected like a mirror on the lake. In the foreground, two larger trees frame the image, as if the viewer is silently observing from the forest.

At first glance, this image feels somber, still and quiet as the figure sits in isolation. It is actually a representation of hope. The red heart and bright stars provide a stark contrast to the darkness in the rest of the artwork. It shows that even on the darkest days or when we feel most alone like the figure on the dock, we can still find love and joy. To appreciate the light in the world, we must also have an understanding of the darkness. Thorpe firmly believes that we must go through the hardships to be able to appreciate the joys in life. You must go to the edge of the dock to truly find love.

This artwork is an excellent example of Thorpe’s artistic talents as his work is honest and immediate. He uses his hands and fingers as an extension of the pastels to expertly blend the subtle colors in this landscape. The soft transitions and gorgeous blue tones in the lake contrast sharply with the detailed trees. He draws exactly how he is feeling in the moment, capturing the essence of our human existence.

The breathtaking evergreen trees growing next to the lake in this image are very similar to the foliage you will see in and around Lake Tahoe where Marcus Ashley Gallery is located. In addition to several Mackenzie Thorpe artworks for sale, Marcus Ashley Gallery exhibits over 40 of the most iconic artists of our time. The gallery has been locally owned and operated for 18 years, providing luxury customer service, as well as any recommendations for upcoming community events.