Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalya Holbrook.
Hi Natalya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am originally from Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. My mother often took me to exhibitions of paintings and museums. I liked to draw what I saw. With great persistence, I copied old postcards. I adored fine arts lessons at an art school, so I decided to continue my studies at the Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical Institute. There were no artists in my large family, and no one thought that my hobby could become my profession – a teacher of drawing and drafting. While studying at the institute, I also worked in a design art workshop. The studio brought together artists of different levels. I learned how to design tablets, signboards, wall paintings, and Petrikovka folk paintings there. After graduation, I wanted to go to work in a school. But life worked itself out in its way. In 1996 I left for America. In America, I worked in enterprises not related to art. But painting has always been important; I worked on it in parallel. I attended exhibitions, museums, and galleries. I met other artists and artistic styles. In 2006 I went to work in a Russian school. I taught painting classes for children and adults. I also organized master classes by using different themes and materials. Of course, there was a demand for individual lessons as well. But in 2021, I decided to go into painting and art completely. 2021 my first one-person show, “Four Elements,” at Degallery, Bryan, TX. The exhibition featured works made in the modern direction of abstract painting, reminiscent of natural objects – stone cuts, mineral deposits, and mountain landscapes. I got acquainted with the technique of liquid acrylic only in America. It turned out that you can create beautiful abstract canvases using liquid acrylic paints and resin.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I studied academic drawing and painting in Ukraine. I understood how an artist in Ukraine can get a job or create one. Arriving in America, I only considered art a business for a short time because life had its plans. Keep learning English as a second language. I still talk with a thick accent. However, now I have to start from scratch on everything. Along the way, I’m learning the introduction to the art business and how to grow professionally as an artist. I did not expect that more than half of the time would be occupied by marketing. I know how to paint, but marketing and business are new. I’m learning how to network and create more business opportunities to be recognizable and exhibit opportunities.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist whose journey revolves around capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature through the lens of rhythm, color, form, and essence. As a self-taught artist, I can explore different mediums and styles, allowing my creativity to flow unrestricted. Drawing inspiration from the world around me, I find solace in the sky, water, and the earth’s metallic minerals, embracing their natural color palette as the foundation for my acrylic paintings. My artistic process is a harmonious blend of abstraction, everyday life, and imagination. It is an ever-evolving journey shaped by my emotional responses and evolving interests. I find inspiration in all styles and art genres, enabling me to create a diverse body of work that captures the essence of the natural world.
One of the defining characteristics of my art is the use of multiple layers of paint. I swipe, scrape, and apply gestural brushwork with each pour, creating complex and dynamic compositions. This process is a fusion of chemistry, creativity, and a sprinkle of luck, resulting in paintings that continually evolve and change as I work.
My artwork reflects my emotions and how I perceive the world around me. It serves as an intuitive expression of my emotional response to the beauty of nature. Through my art, I strive to capture the extraordinary in the ordinary, seeking the rhythm, color, form, and essence that make each scene unique. It is my way of celebrating the profound beauty of life and encouraging others to appreciate the natural world surrounding them.
Creating art is not just a hobby or a profession for me; it is an integral part of my existence. The artistic process acts as therapy, helping me navigate difficulties and celebrate personal achievements. It brings me joy and fulfillment, allowing me to channel my innermost thoughts and feelings onto the canvas.
Frequently, I immerse myself in my favorite places, observing, sensing, and drawing inspiration from the splendor of nature. These moments provide me with a deep connection to the environment, and I strive to capture the unique essence of each place. Drawing from my personal experiences and memories, I create paintings that are both compelling and resonate with the viewer on a profound level.
Color, dimension, and abstractness form the backbone of my artwork. Each painting holds a deeper meaning, inviting viewers to explore new and unexpected insights. My work celebrates the magnificence found in light, form, and color, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the world surrounding them.
In conclusion, my art is a beautiful expression of my emotional response to the natural world. It captures the extraordinary within the ordinary, seeking out the rhythm, color, form, and essence that makes each place unique. Through my paintings, I celebrate the profound beauty of life and inspire others to appreciate the world around them. With an intuitive style and multiple layers of paint, I create dynamic and evolving compositions that embody my passion for the creative process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtStudioNatalya
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artstudionatalya/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtStudioNatalya
