Meet the artist

For over 40 years Dan Mackin has captured his memories of exotic trips and life in the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia and the rainforests of the Amazon where he worked as a tour guide.

In 1971, Mackin began sketching and painting scenery while sailing down the West Coast of Mexico and Central America.

He says, “Everyone yearns to find their own peaceful paradise and escape the demands of today’s hectic world. My paintings offer viewers a window into that place embodying the harmony between people and nature.”

Dan and his best friend left Newport Beach, California, on a 24 foot sailboat with two surfboards, $234 between them, no motor, radio, navigation equipment or common sense and managed to reach El Salvador over a year later where their money ran out.  They sold the boat and crewed down to Panama.

After that, Mackin attended La Universidad De Las Americas, about 70 miles southeast of Mexico City, where he earned a B.A. in Creative Writing and an M.A in Intercultural Education. 

During the 70’s and 80’s he worked several mini careers while honing his skills as an artist and in 1989 pursued his true passion full time.  In honor of his many surf contest posters, he was inducted into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

From 2003 to 2008 he painted 8 collaborations with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, depicting his songs on canvas and in 2011 became a licensed Disney artist.

Today, he lives with his wife, Jeanne, their Irish Water Spaniel, Finnegan in the beautiful tropical town of Hobe Sound, Florida.