Born in Rotterdam, Mackenzie studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam before continuing his education at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Early in his career he was influenced by the Hague School and Amsterdam Impressionism, but he gradually developed a more personal painterly style that combined impressionistic spontaneity with a strong sense of composition and atmosphere.

Mackenzie found inspiration in the lively streets, canals, harbours, and squares of cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. His paintings often depict everyday urban life filled with pedestrians, trams, markets, and reflections on wet pavements, conveying both movement and the unique character of Dutch city life. Alongside his cityscapes, he also painted serene river landscapes, countryside views, coastal scenes, and still lifes, always demonstrating a remarkable sensitivity to light and colour.

Working primarily in oil, watercolour, and etching, Mackenzie possessed a confident, energetic technique that allowed him to evoke atmosphere rather than focus on precise detail. His paintings are admired for their freshness, immediacy, and expressive brushwork, qualities that place him among the finest Dutch Impressionists of his generation.

Throughout his career, Mackenzie exhibited widely and gained considerable recognition both in the Netherlands and internationally. Today, his works are held in numerous museum and private collections and continue to be appreciated for their vibrant portrayal of Dutch landscapes and urban life. His paintings remain enduring examples of Dutch Impressionism, celebrated for their lively compositions, luminous colour palette, and timeless depiction of everyday scenes.