Brazilian born and living in the United States since 1989, Rafael McKenzie Soares has been painting since the age of fifteen. He began taking lessons with a professional Dutch artist who introduced him to the academic drawing techniques of the old Masters, therefore creating a solid artistic foundation.

Among the national and international shows to his credit, Soares has participated in the prestigious 10th International Exhibition of Botanical Art & Illustration, The Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh, and The Waterhouse Art Competition at the Museum of South Australia.