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About the Artist

I am a 22-year-old self-taught artist from the Wairarapa, New Zealand, and absolutely love gifting moments of magic through art. I paint in oils and love using tiny brushes to create intricate details. 

Artist Mikayla Forster sitting at easel painting commissioned paintings in oil paint

Drawing, painting, and art has always been somewhat of a second nature to me. Most children draw frequently throughout childhood and I was no different. But when my peers put down their pencils around the ages of 11, 12 and 13, I never stopped. By the time I reached the age of 18 I knew there was no other path for me, and whatever the odds, I was going to make my dream into a reality. Therefore, after leaving school, and with an encouraging push from my partner and family, it only made sense for me to become a full-time artist.

 

After my first 6 months of painting full time, I quickly learnt how naïve it was to think that making a living from art is as simple as painting every day. To be a full-time artist I realized that I not only needed the skills to paint but I needed a business brain to back it. With this in mind, I completed three courses covering small business management, project management and money management across two years and have been applying my learnings to my business ever since. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to make a living from my passion and use my skills in ways that are meaningful for others.

 

Artist Mikayla Forster with NCEA Level three painting board and discussing prints with customers.