“The way that I apply shadows and highlights
in a bright and bold way reflects the way that I see myself.”
Graphic design student Mackenzie Yirrell, who says Disney movies jump-started her love of art

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed in Disney colors.

Like most kids, Mackenzie Yirrell grew up watching Disney movies and fantasizing about castles, princesses and technicolor worlds where almost all the characters lived happily ever after. And while she was enchanted by the stories, Mackenzie says that at an early age she was drawn to the art of animation as well.

“The brilliant colors and playful aspect of the Disney style fascinated me,” she says, “and I wanted to be a part of that world. I can remember sitting at the kitchen table doing math when I was pretty young and telling my Dad that I didn’t need math because I planned to become rich by selling my paintings.”

Mackenzie is mostly self-taught in art.

“I had art classes in elementary school, but when I got to middle school I had none,” she said.

While she continued to draw at home, music became her art outlet as she took up the flute and joined the school band. She continued with her music at Methuen High, playing with the band; she also pitched for the varsity softball team.

“After school was reserved for either band or softball practice, so most of my art was created during art classes, but I was lucky to be able to take painting, drawing and AP (Advanced Placement) studio art, which was my favorite,” she says.

“I have always dreamed of being an animator for Disney,” she says. “In my art, I take aspects from their style but try not to explicitly copy it. I work mostly with gouache. Growing up, I tried every medium, but never really wanted to stick with any one thing. Then this year I discovered gouache. It’s so flexible, and can be very opaque or watery, mimicking watercolors or acrylics, so every piece can look totally different. I concentrate on lots of color; my paintings are never dull,” she says. “The way that I apply shadows and highlights in a bright and bold way reflects the way that I see myself.”

Working at home in a corner of her room that is flooded by natural light, she has been practicing her craft and gradually building a portfolio.
“I am very focused when I paint,” she says. “I think art is very beneficial for mental health. When I paint, everything around me shuts off.”

While at Methuen High, Mackenzie worked with her photography teacher to form the National Art Honor Society and she served as a student officer for three years.

“The focus of the group is to provide a supportive environment for art students to feel safe and be allowed to be themselves,” she says.

“Meetings are once a month and we share artistic opportunities such as scholarships, art camps and exhibits.”

The group also decorates a tree with painted ornaments and origami for Methuen’s annual Festival of Trees. Having graduated last year from high school, Mackenzie attends New England College in Henniker, N.H., where she majors in graphic design.

“I also hope to explore print making,” she says.

While the Disney job is still a fantasy for Mackenzie at this point, she experienced a bit of magic this past spring as her high school band was invited to play at Disney World in Florida.

“There I was, marching in the parade down Main Street,” she exclaims. “I have played my flute in Methuen parades, but this was the biggest performance I ever did.”

Hyper-focused on playing her music in front of thousands of people, it wasn’t until after the parade that Mackenzie could have some fun.

“I was so inspired by the magical atmosphere,” she says.

As she enters this next chapter in her artistic journey, we hope that all her dreams come true.

Patricia Bruno is a Methuen native, currently living in Haverhill. A writer and photographer, she is also the owner of The Winged Rabbit gift shop in downtown Haverhill.