A PASSION TO PAINT
It often takes a major life event to remind our souls of the things we love. For Ainslie MacLeod, a 2019 open-heart surgery literally opened his heart back up to a lifelong passion to paint—after a 45-year hiatus.
His healing, both physically and spiritually, resulted in the creation of 80 new paintings. It also resulted in the resurgence of his career as a fine artist. A career that now spans two continents—beginning as a “perpetually doodling” child in Aberdeen, Scotland and later took him to Edinburgh College of Art.
After school, Ainslie worked as an advertising art director in London before finding his place as an accomplished illustrator, creating such notable pieces as Chester Cheetah for Frito-Lay, a Paul McCartney album illustration, even ads for megabrands like McDonalds and Coca-Cola.
These days, Ainslie resides in the Pacific Northwest and focuses on large format oil on canvas pieces like those featured on his Instagram, and in this virtual gallery.
He draws his style from many influences including Scottish portrait painter Henry Raeburn, Romanticist Joseph Wright of Derby, Impressionist Edouard Manet, Spanish artist Lita Cabellut, and the great John Singer Sargent. Ainslie’s work often showcases his passion for painting inspirational women that have a unique or empowering backstory.
In addition to his career as an illustrator and fine artist, Ainslie is a well-known past-life psychic and author. He has written three books based on spiritual principles channeled from his spirit guides, and he also had the privilege of being interviewed by Oprah for her Super Soul Conversations series and by Ellen DeGeneres in her last season.
INDIA LOVE
In November 2023, Ainslie and his wife, Christine, lost their beloved daughter India to suicide, after years of trauma caused by childhood sexual abuse.
Since then, Ainslie, Christine, and their son-in-law Jason have worked to honor her memory through the India Love Sunflower Foundation, dedicated to offering education, resources, and support to individuals, families, and communities.
Both before and after her passing, India has been Ainslie’s muse. He is dedicated to keeping her memory alive by painting her regularly, and will continue to do so well into the future.