Self-taught 14-year-old artist offered thousands for paintings
During lockdown, it was not uncommon for most people to try a new hobby they had been putting off.
But for 14-year-old Makenzy, it was a starting point for incredible success.
During a period of self-isolation in Wales, Makenzy Beard found some old acrylic paints and an easel that once belonged to her mother, and decided to try her hand at painting.
Her first piece, an incredible portrait of her farming neighbour John Tucker, went viral on social media.
She told the BBC that the portrait took about 20 hours to complete over a three-week period.
"I was very busy at the time I decided to do this one, so I was taking five minutes before school, an hour after school before sport. It was all broken down, I never spent one long extended period of time on it", she said.
Makezny said her subject John “is a wonderful person and has a really lovely, kind and friendly demeanour," and thought he would be the perfect person to paint.
The post racked up thousands of likes online, as she was encouraged by art fans around the world to keep up her extraordinary talent.
After adding more works to her collection, Makenzy has had her works displayed in a gallery in Cardiff.
Some pieces have captured the attention of international art dealers, with one of her paintings selling for $18,000AUD.
One of the pieces in her showcase is a portrait of her grandfather Bernard Davis, but Makenzy said she will be keeping the artwork due to its sentimental value.
Despite having international offers on her artwork, Makenzy is still keeping her options open in regards to her future.
While she is passionate about art, the 14-year-old is happy just keeping her talents as a hobby as she focuses on school.
Director of Blackwater Gallery, Kimberley Lewis, said, "I think anyone can be a good portrait artist, but I think it takes a lot to show real personality and the soul of a person through their pieces and I think for someone so young, Makenzy does this brilliantly."
Image credits: Instagram @makenzy_beard