Madeline MacGregor Art

an Oregon-based artist

My art is illustrative. At times it is full of whimsy, and at others, deals with the realities of being a person with chronic illness and disabilities. I like to work in layers of detail–impasto and pointillism–but cannot quite let go of detailed undercurrents that I so enjoyed in my younger years when I worked almost exclusively in pen and ink. Perhaps I can ascribe my style as 21st Century Impressionism.

My Art & Specialty

My style is not one of realism, it’s more stylistic. Many of my paintings feature ‘anatomically incorrect’ creatures thriving in a fantasy world—where even snakes sport a toothy grin.

Something I call “slow art” is what I consider my specialty. I’ve moved away from printing mass produced copies of my paintings and concentrated instead on hand-crafting small or tiny individual works that may look similar (based on my original idea), but are completely hand-painted and illustrated.

With this style of “slow art,” even when I print copies of my work, I hand embellish them in some way, whether it is hand-gilding (applying gold accents) or including an artist’s statement into each and every pack that I assemble myself.

My paintings on canvas are all acrylic paint, while most of my paintings on larger sized paper use watercolors, interspersed with acrylic highlights. My tiny artwork on paper is almost all exclusively watercolor with a few dashes of acrylic pen and an oil-based gold paint.

Personal Artistic Inspiration

If you were just meeting me for the first time, you might think I fit the “artist profile” perfectly–someone with a healthy smattering of ADHD behavior and the ability to see all things all at once. But besides being distracted by shiny things, I draw inspiration from the quietness and solitude of nature.

Although I can no longer physically participate in many outdoor activities, I make sure to take time each day to absorb the beauty of the landscape around me. I was always that kid who could spend hours combing the beach for treasure, and I am still that child in many ways–perfectly happy to watch ants parading across the soil or listening for bird calls, watching flowers I plant flourish and sustain the dozens of pollinators who populate our yard and garden.

I think that part of being able to produce a certain amount of quality artwork within a short time actually requires me to decompress and let my creativity out in different ways–whether that’s brainstorming on the arts commission about how to create more public art or cooking in my kitchen, the time spent outside my studio is as valuable to me as the time I spend inside it. I draw inspiration from life.

Infusing Life into Art

I live in Albany, Oregon, a small town in the heart of the Willamette Valley. We are fortunate to be nestled in a peaceful spot where wildlife of all kinds visit our garden and home daily.

Albany is a historic small city, with four National Historic Districts. The city is also well-known for its eateries, musical events along the Willamette River, good coffee, and good friends. I love that when I visit downtown Albany, I know so many people from all age groups and walks of life. Each human connection I make intersects with another, and it makes living with a disability easier to cope with.

Facing serious illness and living with a significant physical disability has driven me tenfold into my art. I cannot sit around and worry, because that is exactly what I would do if I did not have a creative outlet and artistic purpose.

When I worked professionally, I had this quote from Michel de Montaigne tacked up in my office:

“I want death to find me planting cabbages…”

What this means to me to this day, is that cabbages are an ordinary vegetable, but living is an extraordinary privilege. And instead of sitting around waiting to die from one of the maladies that accompany a corporeal body, I want to plant things that sustain and enrich us–from the proverbial cabbages to joy and creativity.

Now retired, I am delighted to run my own business, creating affordable art while not losing sight of being an engaged citizen; I am a member of the City of Albany Arts Commission and on the Albany Visitors Association Board of Directors.

To keep connection with my community, I donate a percentage from each sale to local animal rescue organizations and other charitable foundations within Linn and Benton counties.

Each year, I donate work to the Albany Historic Carousel to help raise funds for their operations and Furniture Share, an amazing organization that helps veterans and children and their parents be able to have household furnishings without payment. This is part of my commitment to the generous spirit of the community I live and create in.

Madeline MacGregor

the woman behind the works.

As I look back over the many challenges I faced as a child and young single parent, those difficult eras are like a series of novels. Each was a phase of experimentation to discover who I was, almost like separate incarnations. And within each, artistic expression was a saving grace.

We all carry so many hopes and aspirations over the decades, and then we are buffeted by loss, tragedy, and despair. I think that the underlying theme that comes out in my work is to help support one another in our journey through vibrancy and humor. If I couldn’t counteract the darkness with light, I couldn’t find my way to create.

I’ve been involved or drawn to the arts since I could first recall. My work was laid aside for many years as I raised a child on my own, worked two or more jobs, and struggled to keep a roof over our heads. Art and creative expression are most likely the healthiest part of me. And I find as I age into that “elder” moniker, that I want to help others answer their inner calling to create.

It is vital that we disconnect from the onslaught of social media and discord to connect with one another with the language of love. Art for me is a way to express my love and commitment to others.

They glow with beauty!
Kate B.
Tiny botanical watercolors
They glow with beauty!
Tiny botanical watercolors
Kate B.
Tiny botanical watercolors
Oh, how we love Madeline’s colorful, whimsical, canvases. We have purchased several of them as gifts and the recipients enjoy the positive energy that flows from these creative works. Vibrant, eye-catching color. The smaller canvases can sit upright independently, making them easy to move to various parts of the house to add a splash of color and light.
Holly E.W.
Idiom Series originals, magnet sets
Oh, how we love Madeline’s colorful, whimsical, canvases. We have purchased several of them as gifts and the recipients enjoy the positive energy that flows from these creative works. Vibrant, eye-catching color. The smaller canvases can sit upright independently, making them easy to move to various parts of the house to add a splash of color and light.
Idiom Series originals, magnet sets
Holly E.W.
Idiom Series originals, magnet sets
The Old Goat tote I ordered was lovely. Perfect for shopping at the market. Customer service was wonderful!
Martha H.
Old Goat Tote Bag
The Old Goat tote I ordered was lovely. Perfect for shopping at the market. Customer service was wonderful!
Old Goat Tote Bag
Martha H.
Old Goat Tote Bag
I purchased the 'Old Goat' stickers and magnets as gifts. I was so pleased with them! The size, colors and packaging are perfection. Sharing them, sharing Madeline’s art, is a true joy!
Sharon C.
Old Goat sticker and boxed Animal Magnet sets
I purchased the 'Old Goat' stickers and magnets as gifts. I was so pleased with them! The size, colors and packaging are perfection. Sharing them, sharing Madeline’s art, is a true joy!
Old Goat sticker and boxed Animal Magnet sets
Sharon C.
Old Goat sticker and boxed Animal Magnet sets
I have so enjoyed my Old Goat bag and greeting cards. It brings a smile to those I share with. Madeline’s skills paired with a bit of whimsy are unique.
Kyle W.
Old Got tote bag, animal notecard boxed sets
I have so enjoyed my Old Goat bag and greeting cards. It brings a smile to those I share with. Madeline’s skills paired with a bit of whimsy are unique.
Old Goat tote bag, animal notecard boxed sets
Kyle W.
Old Got tote bag, animal notecard boxed sets
I bought a small jewel of a painting for my sister's birthday. It shimmered in its plexiglass frame, and packed a lot of joy in a small space. Was delighted to send it, but now I need one for myself.
Martha L.
Watercolor tiny botanical painting in acrylic frame
I bought a small jewel of a painting for my sister's birthday. It shimmered in its plexiglass frame, and packed a lot of joy in a small space. Was delighted to send it, but now I need one for myself.
Watercolor tiny botanical painting in acrylic frame
Martha L.
Watercolor tiny botanical painting in acrylic frame
I’m so proud to be the owner of the original 'Spot .' He has a very human quality of sweetness. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
Maureen J.
Original Alphabet Series watercolor
I’m so proud to be the owner of the original 'Spot.' He has a very human quality of sweetness. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
Original Alphabet Series watercolor
Maureen J.
Original Alphabet Series watercolor
Great fun products, and received very quickly. Quirky art, fabulous!
Suzanne D.
Assorted Animal Notecards, tote bags
Great fun products, and received very quickly. Quirky art, fabulous!
Assorted Animal Notecards, tote bags
Suzanne D.
Assorted Animal Notecards, tote bags
“Love the cards I ordered! They are all gifts, so I guess I will need to buy another set for myself! ”
Kelly R.
Boxed sets of animal notecards
“Love the cards I ordered! They are all gifts, so I guess I will need to buy another set for myself!”
Boxed sets of animal notecards
Kelly R.
Boxed sets of animal notecards
Your calendar went up on our wall today!
Jeff C.
2024 Happy Animal Calendar
Your calendar went up on our wall today!
2024 Happy Animal Calendar
Jeff C.
2024 Happy Animal Calendar
I received my bag today. It was beautiful! The vibrant colors and whimsical design made me smile. Even the quality of the fabric far exceeded my expectations. Thank you!
Ann P.
Counting Sheep Tote Bag
I received my bag today. It was beautiful! The vibrant colors and whimsical design made me smile. Even the quality of the fabric far exceeded my expectations. Thank you!
Counting Sheep Tote Bag
Ann P.
Counting Sheep Tote Bag
“I have one of these totes — it’s great! Very sturdy, good size, easy to carry, gets lots of use .”
Carlo I.
Organic Rooster Tote
“I have one of these totes — it’s great! Very sturdy, good size, easy to carry, gets lots of use.”
Organic Rooster Tote
Carlo I.
Organic Rooster Tote
The sweetest dog painting hangs in my kitchen and looks at me very day. Madeline’s love for ‘furries’ is captured in all her creatures.
Marianne H.
Original on canvas “Dogs Really Do Smile”
The sweetest dog painting hangs in my kitchen and looks at me very day. Madeline’s love for ‘furries’ is captured in all her creatures.
Original on canvas “Dogs Really Do Smile”
Marianne H.
Original on canvas “Dogs Really Do Smile”
Beautiful vibrant artwork on quality card stock! The boxed set of notecards make excellent gifts.
Susan
Boxed sets of Animal Notecards
Beautiful vibrant artwork on quality card stock! The boxed set of notecards make excellent gifts.
Boxed sets of Animal Notecards
Susan
Boxed sets of Animal Notecards
I own a lot of canvas bags, but ordered this one because of the art by this Pacific NW artist. I was very pleased with the quality and design of the artwork.
Rose K.
Organic Cotton Rooster Tote Bag
I own a lot of canvas bags, but ordered this one because of the art by this Pacific NW artist. I was very pleased with the quality and design of the artwork.
Organic Cotton Rooster Tote Bag
Rose K.
Organic Cotton Rooster Tote Bag
Your art is beautiful and healing for...the world.
Shelly H.
2024 Happy Animal Calendar
Your art is beautiful and healing for...the world.
2024 Happy Animal Calendar
Shelly H.
2024 Happy Animal Calendar
Love it, exactly as pictured and it shipped ungodly fast. Would definitely buy art from here again.
Emily G.
Silly Goose Fridge Magnets
Love it, exactly as pictured and it shipped ungodly fast. Would definitely buy art from here again.
Silly Goose Fridge Magnets
Emily G.
Silly Goose Fridge Magnets
Gorgeous! Your eye for detail is spot on!
Corinne H.
Gorgeous! Your eye for detail is spot on!
Watercolor original Heirloom Tomatoes
Corinne H.
Over the years I have purchased magnets, stickers and notecards from Madeline. They are perfect for gifting, my fridge, and corresponding with friends of ‘a certain age .’ I love the humor and whimsy of her art, and it’s always a delight to receive orders from her with their accompanying cheery notes and sketches.
Gloria R.
Old Goat, Counting Sheep, stickers, magnets, notecards
Over the years I have purchased magnets, stickers and notecards from Madeline. They are perfect for gifting, my fridge, and corresponding with friends of ‘a certain age.’ I love the humor and whimsy of her art, and it’s always a delight to receive orders from her with their accompanying cheery notes and sketches.
Old Goat, Counting Sheep, stickers, magnets, notecards
Gloria R.
Old Goat, Counting Sheep, stickers, magnets, notecards
Madeline’s Guardian Series is not only visually stunning but thought provoking. The meaning, inspiration and historical significance of 'Peace and Justice' make it a work I will treasure for many years to come.
Amanda D.
Guardian of Peace and Justice original painting
Madeline’s Guardian Series is not only visually stunning but thought provoking. The meaning, inspiration and historical significance of 'Peace and Justice' make it a work I will treasure for many years to come.
Guardian of Peace and Justice original painting
Amanda D.
Guardian of Peace and Justice original painting
The colors are rich and pleasing. When I look closely, so much intricate detail is revealed. This piece has great meaning for me. It will live in a place where I can see it every day.
Dan B
Limited Edition Gicleé print, Guardian of the Differently Abled
The colors are rich and pleasing. When I look closely, so much intricate detail is revealed. This piece has great meaning for me. It will live in a place where I can see it every day.
Limited Edition Gicleé print, Guardian of the Differently Abled
Dan B
Limited Edition Gicleé print, Guardian of the Differently Abled
Very cute notepads. Items came quickly. Will order from again. I bought them for a friend that likes goats!
Laura K.
Old Goat Post-it Notes
Very cute notepads. Items came quickly. Will order from again. I bought them for a friend that likes goats!
Old Goat Post-it Notes
Laura K.
Old Goat Post-it Notes
The most awesome package was in my mailbox today! What fun and cool things these magnets are.
Dan B.
Animal fridge magnet boxed set
The most awesome package was in my mailbox today! What fun and cool things these magnets are.
Animal fridge magnet boxed set
Dan B.
Animal fridge magnet boxed set
“I received my bag yesterday. It is beautiful and great quality. I really love it. Thank you! ”
Julia P.
Old Goat Tote Bag
“I received my bag yesterday. It is beautiful and great quality. I really love it. Thank you!”
Old Goat Tote Bag
Julia P.
Old Goat Tote Bag
These are beautiful!
Shawna D.
Winter Holiday cards
These are beautiful!
Winter Holiday cards
Shawna D.
Winter Holiday cards
Such a fun image, well made tote bag, brings a smile!
Mary Beth D.
Old Goat Tote Bag
Such a fun image, well made tote bag, brings a smile!
Old Goat Tote Bag
Mary Beth D.
Old Goat Tote Bag

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