About Marcus Callum

Since I first picked up a paintbrush at eight, I knew art was my destiny. There's a special magic in turning a blank canvas into a world of colour and emotion, and years of dedicated study have only deepened my commitment to capturing beauty and exploring the alchemy of paint.

My father was my greatest inspiration - a Renaissance man who painted, played music, and built with his hands, all with unwavering focus and passion. His words, "Anyone can make art; you just have to keep practicing," became my guiding principle. With my parents' support and endless supplies of paper and oil paints, I practiced every day, pouring my emotions into every piece.

This foundation led me through seven years of full-time study in Sydney and New York, where I won prestigious awards including the Black Swan Portrait Prize (now the Lester Prize) and the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Prize. But the real prize for me is when a painting speaks to someone on a deep level.

Inspired by the timeless legacy of masters like Rembrandt, Velázquez, Vermeer, and Ingres, I seek to capture profound beauty and humanity in every subject. Their ability to reveal the soul through light, texture, and expression guides my exploration of the stories, emotions, and memories that make life extraordinary.

Each piece I create is infused with intention - not just making a painting, but weaving light, emotion, and energy into every layer. I believe art has the power to transform spaces and elevate spirits. When you live with one of my works, whether a commissioned portrait or an abstract piece, you're living with something that carries genuine presence and transforms the energy of your home.

My goal is to create connections that resonate beyond the visual, offering not just decoration, but a portal to something deeper and more timeless.