June 16, 2020Artists

Meet McKenzie Orhelein, Surf-Inspired Painter

This year, Her Waves has met over a dozen talented, ambitious artists and photographers. We continue to meet these women all around the world, and it's the best part of our job. They each have one important thing in common - a deep love for the ocean. For McKenzie Orhelein, the ocean is a fascinating force of beauty and strength. From growing up in a coastal town in Delaware called Bethany Beach, McKenzie's constant time near the ocean has inspired her to depict the relationship between humans and the ocean in her whimsical paintings.

Cruise through McKenzie's art on Instagram : @mkensea.art

Quotes by : McKenzie Orhelein

The flow of the wave and the gracefulness of those riding it -- I want to create the beauty and feeling you feel when surfing for those that admire it like I do.

"I’ve been drawing my whole life, and a few years ago I was doing mainly oceanscapes. Back in February 2018 is when I drew my first lady slider. I actually drew it for my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. After that I kept it going and did very minimalist sketches with watercolor waves but that didn’t feel like it was me. It didn’t have my soul in it. So I kept playing with it until it felt right, and now I really feel my drawings show my soul and character."

"The ocean is my favorite place to be. I’ve always been fascinated with capturing the way a wave crashes and how it’s simultaneously such a strong force of nature but so gentle and beautiful. It’s even more amazing that us humans have the ability to become one with it."

"The ocean is the one thing that is always moving, never the same, and somehow we can ride it’s unpredictable movement and make it into an art."

"The magic people create riding waves gives me a sense of happiness, even when I’m only watching it and that inspires my drawings. The flow of the wave and the gracefulness of those riding it -- I want to create the beauty and feeling you feel when surfing for those that admire it like I do."

McKenzie began surfing three years ago. After moving to Hawai'i this past winter, she was hooked on longboarding at Waikiki.

"Whenever I wasn’t working I was surfing. It’s such an easy wave but it’s so long and so fun too. I miss it so much!"

"I’m very thankful for my family, my upbringing, and my life. I’ve been very fortunate to live by the sea and have the freedom to make my passion my work. I’m blessed to have a supportive family that wants me to pursue what fulfills my soul rather than push me into something that won’t benefit my heart but will keep my pockets full. I’m really thankful for the freedom and love I have in my life."

Follow McKenzie on Instagram : @mkensea.art