Coyote

Natalie's "Coyote" painting is inspired by a coyote she saw on the side of the freeway. The animal was golden, fur blowing in the wind. The coyote looked so out of place and wanting nothing more than for him or her to be in their natural environment, she created this scene. The aloe at the bottom represents earthly healing while the rattle snake and it's spirit are guiding the being out of this world. 

Pigeon Vision

One of Natalie's morning walks along La Jolla Cove's coast trail inspired "Pigeon Vision". On occasion she would see Peregrin falcons dominating the cove. One time in particular she noticed that the falcon had something in its talons, she looked closely to see that it was a pigeon. Following it with her eyes the entire flight, she watched it land in a large Torrey Pine tree, feathers started falling down softly. This painting represents death as part of life, how one must eat life to live. The sun and moon contribute as time, the eyes as 'tunnel vision', and the two pigeons as life and death. 

Eros

The first is 'Eros' or erotic love, the second is 'Storge', a natural, familial love, the third is 'Philia' or friendship, and the fourth is 'Agape', a self-sacrificing love. Natalie's 'Eros' includes these four loves, but is predominantly about the former. Hands crawl up plants towards the woman, yearning for her. A snake slithers towards the egg she sits over like a hen. There is an emphasis on the innate sexuality in all things, reproduction is like a mineral-rich rain to the garden.  

Twin Serpents

Twin Serpents is a 10''x10'' acrylic painting on linen and foam with sculptural elements. Natalie cut out from the foam a tiny hand, bird, and eye. The eye then floats over the chest of the hummingbird, the hand crawls up from below, and the bird is raised on one side and indented on the other. A bird hovers over the egg, while the snake and hand reach for it, similar to "Eros."

The Naturalists

"The Naturalists" is a commission for the Oregonian who had it all, including too many landscapes of mountains. In order to add a little more funk to his walls, Natalie created this piece, which combines a love for the garden with a love for the mountains, Mt. Hood in particular. She included two inspiring men, Charles Darwin and John Muir, both who in their own ways have helped shaped our understanding and appreciation for the natural world around us. 

Girl with Papaya

'Girl With Papaya' was the first painting based off of a collaboration between Natalie and photographer Brooke Frederick. The setting was Natalie's lush garden. Her goal here is not to 'sexualize' this woman but rather a focus on taking time to experience the pure beauty and richness of life on earth and all of its many gifts. She is still using these photographs as references for future paintings and another has already been used for her painting 'Eros.'

Habitat

These next paintings are from Natalie's first solo show in 2012 titled 'Habitat'. The series stemmed from a large painting of Frida Kahlo, in it she painted a world for Frida, she wanted to create a world for the animals as well. These pieces were created after a five week journey through South America, she hoped to bring the cracking, post-colonial buildings to life with the antique windows and create an air of ceremony with "religious" adornments. 

Peru

During Natalie's travels, she picked up three Spanish Colonial style paintings, one wood carved frame, and another hand painted glass frame. The faces of the Icons were white, she decided to repaint them to be like the Peruvian women who crafted them, the same women who made the frames that the Crow and Hummingbird live in.   

John Muir  

Natalie's first trip to Yosemite inspired this painting of John Muir. The line-work throughout the piece represents the flowing waters of Yosemite Valley. Muir is depicted as one with the natural world. The animals and plants are honoring him for his work in preservation.  

White Jesus

Here Natalie depicts a Jesus-like character. The crow closest to the top, seems to be either trapped in the frame or about to burst out of the frame. Evoking thoughts on organized religion and whether or not it is caging us in or setting us free. 

Manos de Amor

"Manos de Amor" were commissioned for a family living in Del Mar, California. The paintings are on each side of the staircase as you enter their home, making them the first pieces seen of a large collection of art from around the world. Natalie wanted the paintings to symbolize nurture, family, and love.