Welcome to the December edition of our "Artist of the Month" blog series, a special space dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary talent we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with. It's always difficult to pick from our wide range of wonderful clients. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or an art lover who simply enjoys the creative process, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of pets and other furry creatures as we hear from these month's curated pick.
This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Natalie Naumann, an extremely talented watercolour artist based in Devon. Her landscapes easily transport you into the scene with her impeccable skill at replicating (and invoking in her own right) serenity and calmness.
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. My inspiration as always comes from where I live. Between the sea and the moors, what more could you ask for. With constantly changing weather and seasons it’s always different, providing a constant source of inspiration. Other than that music comes a close second and always accompanies me when I paint.
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. At the moment I am exploring a more abstract angle in my painting, particularly lead by emotion which is invoked by my surroundings and juicy contrasting colours. But the fact is I find every new project just as exciting as the last. It’s a passion.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. So being a watercolour artist I tend to have quite limited tools but, I do like to experiment. I use wax, salt, powders and ink. Currently I like the paint to do exactly what it wants to do without any kind of control from me. I then revisit it later, trying to make sense of it or see in which direction I feel it’s going in.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?
A. I have been greatly influenced by Georgia O’Keeffe ever since I came across a library book in primary school and immediately fell in love with her paintings. Her use of colour and depiction of nature and her surroundings. They have a soft, feminine even sensual quality. I also greatly admire Barbara Hepworth and Frida Khalo, all of whom broke boundaries and paved the way for today’s female artists, incrementing the reform of gender imbalance in the art scene.
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. My advice would be don’t wait! I waited far too long to pursue my dream of being an artist. Art matters, human creativity matters. It’s not just something for amusement, or personal satisfaction. Art makes sense of complex human feelings. It is essential and young artists should be encouraged and nurtured at all costs.
Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. It was pretty fantastic visiting a life-size unicorn I painted over several months. It was situated in the very centre of Bristol and watching the public admire and talk about my design was an incredible warm fuzzy feeling. It now lives on the outside of the former Bank Of England since it was auctioned off for charity. But right up there would have to be my very first ever gallery exhibition, seeing something I had dreamed about for so many years come to life was moving and quite surreal.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. I have always drawn and painted but, the first time I realised I wanted to be an artist was discovering all of histories master artists in the library at a very young age. It was life changing. I read about, copied and admired them all. That’s were a life long love affair started.
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. I am a Mum to three fantastic children and wife to a very supportive, understanding husband (he needs to be living with an artist) We spend our time on Dartmoor or by the sea enjoying the beautiful place we live.
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. I most enjoy experimental work. Anything new, different or odd gets me excited.
Q. What is your dream project?
A. My dream project would be to run an art hub in my hometown of Kingsteignton. A cafe/arts centre where I could encourage and support budding young artists to follow their dreams. Somewhere creatives could gather and share information and creative ideas whilst supporting their local community. The world can be a very grey place and I would like to start locally by injecting a bit of colour and passion, who know's maybe it could spread?
We’re incredibly proud to work with artists like Natalie, whose passion and creativity inspire us all. To explore more of Natalie's work, be sure to visit her Instagram. And don’t forget to check back in January for our first exciting edition of "Artist of the Month" of 2025!