WELCOME TO BESPOKE FINE ART PORTRAITURE
THE ARTIST'S STATEMENT
My definition of art differs considerably from the contemporary art market. For me, art connects with our hearts immediately. It is intuitively understood and easy to love. No explanation needed. It is deeply rooted in art history and the Old Masters and is therefore recognisable, comparable and definable.
It needs real skill and strives for excellence. Its purpose is to enrich us - to create beauty and harmony that elevates us and stands in deep alignment with nature and creation itself.
This is how I define art, and this is the work I love and do for a living. I would like art to be regarded once again as something we can trust and rely on. Something precious and necessary: an essential part of our lives that sincerely enriches our existence. That allows us to surround ourselves with uniqueness, profound beauty, and the rare excellence of masterful craftsmanship.
And to do so simply because we love it.
ABOUT MY CLIENTS
Since 2019, I've had the privilege of creating portraits for a wide range of wonderful clients.
I am most often contacted by women - mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, or life partners - who want to commission a precious portrait of someone they love deeply. These women come from very different backgrounds: some are married, others single; some are homemakers, while many are successful professionals working as employees or entrepreneurs, especially in finance and marketing.
I also have men commissioning portraits - mostly fathers - interestingly enough, often commissioning portraits of their parents.
A special joy for me are commissions from couples. I love portraying not only children - with their natural and radiant beauty - but also adults. It is incredibly rewarding to study a person’s unique personality and character. At the same time, it is far more challenging, especially when I want my client to be completely satisfied.This is especially true when a woman is honoured by her partner or husband with a timeless portrait - one that captures all the love and gratitude he feels for her. In such a painting, she not only looks beautiful - she shines from within. As a woman myself, I know how nerve-racking it can be to find even one single image we truly like - let alone one that works perfectly for a portrait. But it is possible! Together we can create the perfect composition and the most beautiful light to bring out your best self. I promise: once we find that one perfect expression - the moment that makes you glow and feel like a star - you will never want to part with that portrait. And neither will your partner.
I've also been honoured to work with multi-generational families, discerning international collectors, and fellow artists.
I have learned that discretion is the most wanted skill in building trust. I have very strict rules as to what I publish or publicly disclose about my clients. I never act without explicit permission.
One of the most rewarding relationships has been with the renowned novelist Danielle Steel, who has commissioned numerous portraits since 2022, capturing members of her large family and beloved pets. Over the years, we have developed a beautiful artistic and personal connection. 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.
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. 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 very first clients in the United States were the wonderful Arbolina and Gray Jennings from Houston, Texas - a couple who have since become dear friends.During my portrait work in their region, they generously invited me to stay with them, making me feel truly at home. Whenever our paths cross - whether they visit Spain or the UK - it's always a joy to reconnect over good conversation, laughter, and my absolute favourite: a private tour of masterpieces together. 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. These enduring friendships are at the heart of what I cherish most in my artistic life.
This photograph captures a remarkable day in Berlin with a visionary global entrepreneur and his wife during their European journey. At their kind request, I had the honor of guiding this remarkable couple through my favorite masterpieces on Museum Island. The day continued with a special visit to the German Embassy, culminating in an exquisite dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Throughout our time together, we engaged in profound conversations - exploring Buddhism, drawing cultural comparisons between China, America, and Germany, reflecting on the importance of family and our mutual love for the arts. Personal encounters with extraordinary individuals like this brilliant couple - remain among the greatest privileges of my life as an artist.
LADY PAMELA HICKS
In 2019, I had the honour of creating an anniversary portrait for Lady Pamela Hicks (née Mountbatten) to celebrate her ninetieth birthday. Born on 19 April 1929, she is the daughter of Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, and a first cousin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. As a great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, she is the oldest living descendant of the monarch.
Her great-aunt was Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine, who became Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna, the last Empress of Russia. She is remembered for her deeply controversial reliance on the mystic Grigori Rasputin and was murdered in 1918 together with her husband, Tsar Nicholas II, and their five children by the Bolsheviks.
At just 17 years old, Lady Pamela was in India with her father, the last Viceroy, as he guided the country toward independence. She had the rare opportunity to meet Mahatma Gandhi personally and intimately. On 15 August 1947, she took part in the celebrations in Delhi as her father handed over power. But she also witnessed the immense violence and heartbreak that followed the huge population exchanges during Partition.
As a lady-in-waiting to Princess Elizabeth, she was with her in Kenya in February 1952 when news arrived that King George VI had died. She stayed close during those first emotional hours as the young Princess became Queen, and later accompanied Queen Elizabeth II on her long Commonwealth tour of 1953–54.
After completing the portrait, I was graciously invited to visit Lady Pamela at her English estate, The Grove, in Oxfordshire, where I also had the pleasure of meeting her daughter, India Hicks, who had commissioned the work. This experience remains one of the most cherished moments in my career - a beautiful reminder of the personal connections that make portraiture so meaningful.
“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
ANNIE,
a young mother of two from the United States - like so many of my valued clients - 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
NATASHA and REUBEN,
a truly dynamic duo of multi-entrepreneurs 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, here’s what she 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
I regularly journey to the UNITED STATES,
especially NEW YORK CITY, FLORIDA, LOUISIANA, TEXAS and CALIFORNIA, where I have a network of wonderful clients. 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, 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
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
“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
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
