WELCOME TO BESPOKE FINE ART PORTRAITURE

My goal is to reveal the unique beauty and personality of an individual — capturing that one fleeting moment of stillness where the true person emerges amid the busyness of daily life.I aim to create portraits of depth and lasting power: works that can be cherished for years, even decades, without ever losing their magic or resonance.I favor a slow, deliberate approach — one that patiently builds toward the final image while staying true to my original vision: the reason I chose that particular photograph from hundreds taken. I cannot rest until that vision is fully realized.Above all, my premise is simple: the portrait must delight my client — and it must satisfy me as the artist. Collaborating closely with a unique individual to create something of enduring meaning, real beauty, and deep personal value — with my own hands and through my thinking heart — is both the challenge and the profound joy of my work.And I wouldn’t want to do anything else in life.

CLIENT STORIES

Since 2019, I've had the privilege of creating portraits for a diverse range of wonderful clients — most often mothers commissioning cherished family pieces, as well as housewives, female entrepreneurs, and highly successful women in finance and marketing. Fathers frequently commission portraits too — sometimes of their own parents — while many couples delight in surprising their partners with thoughtful, heartfelt gifts. I've also been honored to work with multi-generational families, discerning international collectors, and fellow artists.One of the most rewarding relationships has been with the renowned novelist Danielle Steel, who has commissioned numerous portraits since 2022, beautifully capturing members of her large family and beloved pets.Over the years, we've developed a deep artistic and personal connection, enriched by warm email exchanges (she is, after all, a masterful writer). Her novel The Portrait (2025), centered on a talented female portrait artist, even feels like a nod to our collaboration — which made me incredibly proud and touched. She also kindly welcomed me into her stunning Paris apartment, a gesture that honored the profound trust she placed in me and deepened our work together.These experiences highlight one of the greatest gifts of my profession: the opportunity to connect with extraordinary, warmhearted people I might never have met otherwise — from devoted parents and loving partners to those building lasting legacies across generations. Building these relationships requires mutual appreciation for the art, trust in my skills, and a genuine personal bond — for which I am eternally grateful.

A NOTE FROM DANIELLE STEEL

In May 2023, Danielle Steel kindly shared this heartfelt note on her Instagram about our collaboration:“…I recently commissioned these wonderful portraits of Minnie, Blue and Lili by the incredibly talented German artist Elke Mackus. The portraits were a gift to myself, and well worth it. I LOVE them — they are not only beautiful likenesses, but she captured the spirit and personality of each dog. Each of them stands out in these gorgeous portraits.I've had three portraits done for a close friend, and last Christmas, I had portraits done for my children. Elke is as talented with people as she is with dogs. She has done 19 portraits for me now, one more beautiful than the next. I've never had a single disappointment with her — on the contrary, she stuns me each time with her beautiful work and incredible talent and insight.Our association and mutual admiration grew from there as I asked her to do one portrait after another, and each one is more exciting than the last. Her portraits are the embodiments of joy and beauty, and I LOVE Minnie, Lili and Blue's portraits. I smile every time I look at them and they warm my heart!!! “

"My first clients in the United States were Arbolina and Gray Jennings from Houston, Texas — a wonderful couple who have since become dear friends.Whenever they visit Spain or the UK, it's always a delight if our schedules align for good conversation, laughter, and — my favorite part — a private tour of masterpieces. I love guiding them through the Prado in Madrid or one of London's brilliant galleries, like the National Gallery or Tate.I first met Arbolina in the restroom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. I was sharpening my charcoal pencils, preparing to copy some masterpieces, when her curiosity sparked a long conversation. That led to meeting her husband Gray, a private dinner in the MET's dining room, and ultimately my first portrait commissions in New York.So much has happened since then, but I still fondly recall that chance encounter in the MET's restroom. Here's a photo from our most recent meeting in August 2025 at the brilliant Wallace Collection in London."

This is a cherished snapshot of a very lucky day I was honored to spend with Albert Chao and his wife in Berlin. At their request, I guided the very art interested couple through my favourite masterpieces on Museum Island, followed by a visit to the German Embassy, with its striking glass architecture, leading to an exquisite Michelin-starred dinner there, where we had the most delightful conversation about, Buddhism, comparisons between Chinese, American and German culture, that I left incredibly impressed by the sharp intelligence and humbleness of both. It is one of the most important parts of my artistic life to get the chance to personally connect and meet such amazing and inspiring personalities.

THE LADY PAMELA HICKS

In 2019, I had the honour of creating an anniversary portrait for THE LADY PAMELA HICKS, née Mountbatten, in celebration of her ninetieth birthday. Born in 1929, she is the daughter of Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, and a first cousin to Prince Philip. As a great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, she is the oldest living descendant of the monarch in 2025. Lady Pamela witnessed history as a teenager in India during its 1947 independence, served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, and joined her on a 1953–54 Commonwealth tour. Married to designer David Hicks, she is the mother of three and author of memoirs like Daughter of Empire.

Upon the portrait’s completion, I was graciously invited for a personal visit to Lady Pamela Hicks’s English estate, "The Grove," in Oxfordshire, where I also met her daughter, India Hicks, who had commissioned the work.

A special surprise I was delighted to receive, came in the form of a handwritten card from Lady Pamela Hicks, in which she graciously took the time to personally express her joy over the portrait and extend her heartfelt thanks.

India, too, was deeply touched by the result: “Dear Elke, this is MAGICAL. Truly. I am so touched by every little detail, thought, pastel stroke, and feeling of connection that you brought to life in this portrait. You have captured my mother. She will now be with me forever. Thank you so much.

Much love, India

Though ANNIE and I have never met face-to-face, our connection feels deeply personal and meaningful. Hailing from the United States—like so many of my valued clients—she found me through Instagram. Our collaboration began with a portrait of her son, followed by one of her cherished dog, and most recently, a tender depiction of her daughter. This final commission carried a profound weight, as her little girl was bravely battling a serious illness. The gravity of the situation stayed with me throughout the creative process, lending it a quiet intensity. Here’s what Annie shared with me after receiving her daughter’s portrait: ” ELKE, this took my breath away. You portrayed her spirit and personhood in color, composition, and light so breathtakingly beautifully and it is just so her!! You have made my day/week/month. I am beyond thrilled. Thank you so, so much, Elke. Entrusting you with her portrait was such an easy decision because I knew you would “see” her. You have such a gift.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. So much gratitude, Annie

Ohio, Annie Spradley

NATASHA and her husband REUBEN,

a truly dynamic duo hailing from the United States, came across my work via Instagram. We met for a photo shooting of their daughter in Paris and since became friends. After sending Natasha the completed portrait, I found myself waiting for her response with a touch of apprehension—nearly two days passed without a word, and I began to brace for disappointment. Yet, quite the contrary unfolded. Natasha was utterly "taken aback" by the outcome, so moved that she struggled to articulate her feelings. Here’s what she eventually shared: Dear Elke,
I saw the painting yesterday, and all day I’ve been trying to come up with the right words to express my sentiment about your magnificent work. As I was viewing the video, I had a whirlwind of emotions, we teared up with so many feelings. This painting means much more then a portrait for us, you captured the essence of Bela and Luciano in an exquisite way. It depicts her personality so well; your work is beyond words. The picture being taken in Paris, you working in Germany in such times, and then adding us to the painting, was an amazing surprise for us and for Bela.

Thank you Elke, we hope to see you soon!
Love, Natasha      

Dear Elke, I am elated by the brilliant work you've done. I am speechless. You’ve captured my daughter and ‘Maltese son’ in an impeccable and timeless work of art. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We can’t wait for its’ arrival.I hope we can see you very soon in Paris again! 

Sincerely, Reuben       

La Jolla, Natascha and Reuben Katz

From time to time, I journey to the UNITED STATES, a natural choice given how many of my wonderful clients hail from there. It’s especially rewarding when I can align multiple commissions into a single trip.

One particularly memorable experience - and a true testament to warm hospitality - unfolded in Monroe, where I had the pleasure of meeting seven delightful young mothers and their children, ranging from one to four little ones each. Together, we embarked on an expansive two-day photo session, set against a backdrop of breathtaking countryside and exquisite architecture. This opportunity came about, as so often happens, through Instagram. It began with a lovely young woman, LEIGH, who first commissioned a portrait of her son. Upon learning of my upcoming visit to the USA, she thoughtfully arranged for me to meet her circle of friends in MONROE, even securing a charming guesthouse for my stay and greeting me at the airport to ensure my comfort. That trip remains one of my most treasured memories from my travels to the States.

Here, I share some of the heartfelt feedback I received from those mothers after they received their children’s portraits:

Dear Elke, I received my portraits. Upon opening my package, I found myself speechless.  I had the same reaction as I did when you sent the finished portraits via email.....tears came to my eyes.  They are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I love that you are able to capture the drool on baby George's fat lower lip. :)  You are truly an artist and incredibly talented.  I found myself just staring in awe.  Their portraits are moving and I cannot wait to see them framed.  It was well worth the wait.  I thank you for your time and efforts.  It was truly an honor to have met you. Thank you.  Thank you. 

Sincerely, Charlotte

Monroe , Charlotte Shaw

Dear Elke, today I did receive your portrait.  And I am so in love with it!  I put it on my dining room mantle, along with your beautiful note, and stared at them all night long.  My husband was blown away.  (I left it a surprise for him…he didn’t know I had you do it at all). The artistry, especially in the eyes.  I am blown away by your talent.

Thank you so much, Sincerely, Margaret

Monroe, Margaret Pruitt

“ELKE, I love it so much!  It is incredibly beautiful. You have done it again! More beautiful than I could ever imagine. Truly stunning. I’m so happy.  I definitely don’t want to change one thing about it. It’s perfect. Leigh

Monroe, Leigh Liles

NIKKI, a lovely young mother of four, is someone I’ve yet to meet in person, yet our connection feels genuine and close. Originally from the USA, she first reached out to commission portraits of her eldest son and daughter. Touched by the results, she soon decided to include her other two children, entrusting me to create all four portraits in sequence, unified by a consistent technique and harmonious colour palette. Our collaboration grew even more personal as we exchanged actual colour samples to ensure the portraits’ backgrounds would complement the walls of her new home. Here’s what Nikki shared with me after receiving the completed set of four portraits:

“My portraits have ARRIVED!!
And opening them today was the most exciting experience I had in a very very LONG time! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talent with me. I am in absolute awe of these works and they will be treasured for a lifetime and more! I’m so excited. My daughter absolutely loves her portrait, too. My nanny was at home with me when we opened the box and both of us just felt so moved by the beauty of the portraits. I will send a picture of them hanging when I get them framed!

Much love and gratitude, Nikki

Oregon, Nikki Colquitt