I work full time in a less than soul fulfilling job, but what keeps me going is my moments at my art table. I always have a project that I am working on and it fills me with a trembling excitement
Hello Natasha! Just finished watching your video. Thank you for keeping me company while I paint! Yes I have these days or hours in a day where I spend researching art materials or moving things to basket and wish list on Jacksons. :D Its exiting to learn more about different mediums and I have noticed that sometimes my basket forms specific colour palette of the day and how I feel and other days I have completely different colours in mind. Also thank you for sharing a bit about when you became full time artist. Although I am younger than you I still struggled with internet part for a long time and know much more tech persons or business minded people younger than me making art full time job. I feel everyone is different and need to embrace it. Everyone has their own journey I guess something to look forward to. I also recently read graphic novel about artist journey and there is so much more to learn and never get bored, the journey doesn't end when we reach goals. its exiting to learn new things, thank you for being reminder to us about this as well! Thank you for being here Natasha, so glad I have found you! All the best! Kriksis
I'm so glad to have found you too, Kriksis! I knew you'd understand about the obsession with researching new materials! The same thing happens to my basket on Jackson's too, and I'm constantly adding new colours/materials to the wish list. ;) Thank you for your lovely comment. x
You’re definitely not alone in the beautiful obsession of creating! What an incredible gift we get to live a life with an observant eye; the ability to see a whole other universe in a tiny rogue flower or the patterns that swirl on our watercolor palettes ❤
I recently got the book Soul Colour by Emma Burleigh. I am really enjoying the free and mindful approach to exploring your materials and your creativity. The book has 10 weeks worth of prompts. I am only on week 1 and I have decided to devote a sketchbook that I made to the practice of following this book. I am also not allowing myself to peak ahead, instead taking each day and prompt as they come and openly allowing myself to discover without advance thinking about the exercise….just mindfully going with the flow.
Natasha, I don't know where to begin describing how much this video resonated with me. Not only did you speak from your heart but also mine. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, your process and so much of yourself. As a fellow introvert I know how challenging that is. Also, I wanted to dorkily hi five you for talking about your nerdy side. 👋 That is me! 👋Here me, the one jumping and waving in the background. I was in my teens as well, not having the internet as accessible as it is now, (RUclips and Facebook were "invented" when I was in college 😅) but I am using it now to nerd out on swatching videos day in day out. 😄 Unfortunately art has found me late in my life but oh did it lift me up. I have noticed myself that I am looking at the world through different eyes now and the way it keeps me in the moment is unique. I have an almost obsessive impulse to create and I share the curious nature that you have described, so art both invigorates and calms me at the same time. Isn't that amazing? Thank you again Natasha. I just love listening to this video simply because it sounds like conversation with a friend. Have a wonderful week!
Lovely, Natasha! I don't usually do prompts, but you've inspired me to give it a try. I love watching you paint and listening to your calming voice. You're a treasure.
What an absolutely interesting video. I was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease 18 months ago. I didn’t know how I was going to decline and ultimately die gracefully. I took up painting watercolor! I started this past November. I also was put on Hospice that month. I paint every day. I practice lessons, swatch my paints or make wish lists of materials. But it all brings me hope and a sense of well being. I’m so glad you have shared so much about yourself in your videos. I am so much like you! Thanks for letting me share. Much love to you❤️
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis , Marian, but your attitude is wonderful. I wish you all the very best. Just keep enjoying your watercolour journey! x
i make sure there is something nearby when i go to bed that i can wright an idea on if i wake up or have a dream idea. and i embrace being an art nerd, even if it drives people batty when i start talking about art lol😝
Being an artist is definitely a lifestyle. An artist learns to see the world differently from others. I often will stop to study something that catches my attention and them I start drawing or painting it in my head. 😅
First, for the non-art stuff. The technical quality of your videos is terrific. Great lighting and presentation. And your voice. What a smooth, beautiful voice-over you always give. No stammering or using the dreaded "like" over and over. I enjoy listening to your luxurious tones that provide a calm feeling to each and every upload. As for your eight reasons to do art. Your voice could have been mine! I always tell people (especially worriers like myself) that art is a great way to completely forget the negativity inside the head and focus on something else. I have created so much art, especially at two in the morning when the demons seem to awaken, but out of worry has come a bounty of projects. Also like you, I enjoy the nerd aspect. I remember spending hours researching Indian yellow and its history! (BTW, the only Indian yellow I truly love is Sennelier as it seems to be the only brand that uses PY153 and PY154 in its mix!) Anyway, thanks for taking the time to make such lovely videos and providing meaningful narrative to accompany your work. Always happy when you post something new. p.s. I was inspired so just joined your Patreon.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sally, and welcome to my Patreon! I hope that you enjoy it over there (I now have over 40 Patreon-exclusive videos available, so hopefully you'll find lots to watch!). Art nerds unite! ;)
Beautiful video Natasha! Your channel is one of my favorite, partly because your videos (and your voice) are so relaxing, For me, art has been a way to deal with burnout. I had a huge crash last summer (because of overwork and trauma) and watercolor is the on thing that appeases me and allows me to think of nothing but my art process. And I love this community :)
Hi Natasha, I love this wonderful piece of art it’s beautiful. I am the same incorporating art into daily life helps me tremendously everyday I can’t wait to have a go at some form of art with paint or pencils or a combination I love to try and have a go. I get obsessed with art materials and can’t wait until I can buy new supplies, my favourite art shop is Jackson’s I love it they have so much choice it’s heaven. Lots of love to you Natasha and thanks for sharing ❤
Loved this video so much. I don’t dedicate as much time as I would like to art, it frustrates me quite a lot. I am trying to rectify that this year. I am with you in regard to it easing anxiety! I love this painting as well. Hope you don’t mind me asking but what paper are you using? X
Thanks Sarah! I hope that you're able to make more time for art this year. :) The paper is Arches cold pressed (I think - I'm actually not 100% sure!). x
This artwork is beautiful I love your thoughts as you paint even when I'm tidying my art space I consider I've been creative as long as I'm intouch with my art and artspace I feel fulfilled. Thank you for sharing Natasha 💜
I related to everything you said. Art has kept me alive and given me something to focus on and look forward to through the darkest days of my life. In addition to providing comfort and focus and joy, I have also experienced growth and healing through art. It's just such a gift.
I love hoe you seem so excited to express your feeling toward are 🥰 I love creating art whether it's just sketching, swatching or just planning a piece because it gives me a sense of achievement, espacially that currently I feel like I failed in my career, I failed my health and even my relationships with my friends and family. Hopefully in the future it gets better but nowadays, literally art us what keeps me going 🌺
Great video and as always, lovely art. Always a delight to see it build. In my case art did not come to me until my late 50s and has been a revelation. I may not be very good but it is totally absorbing so you just forget the outside world. And as a techie by trade it is entirely different from my work life. I think I need to try and set aside more time for art - even if it’s just half an hour of playing with paint. Thank you for the inspiration.
Ahhh a fellow nerd. Haha. Needing to know everything and often getting lost down a clicking black hole. Love it! Although hours seem to disappear lol. Thank you for sharing. As always a delight to listen to you and your art process videos are always very inspiring and I am now going to try a woodland scene as my Sunday art practice...And listen to the Archers. More like this please Natasha. X
Ah, I'm so glad that you enjoyed this style of video, Lesley! I love the phrase "a clicking black hole". That's exactly what it is, ha ha! Enjoy your art and The Archers. :) x
If I go to bed thinking of painting I usually get up during the night and do a little painting. If I don’t I will just toss and turn all night!! And you painting is lovely.
YES! I need to do this instead of tossing and turning and worrying that I'll forget it before morning (although I do sometimes just make a quick written note on my phone instead).
Thank you for this wholesome video. I’m so happy to hear that I’m not the only nerd when it comes to researching art supplies, dreaming about colour palettes, being amazed by shapes and colours in nature,… I love your art style. It always evokes a sense of wonder in me, a bit like a fairytale.🥰
I love videos where we get to watch you paint! This painting turned out lovely. I'm reading a book called The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (famous music producer, but the book is not about music per se). It contains a lot of interesting thoughts on creativity and one of them is the value in simply noticing the world and collecting random "seeds" for future work, much like you described here.
Absolutely beautiful work, as always ❤️. And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that does research sometimes for days on art products (really did think I was the only one, I feel normal now, thank you) 🤣 Thank you for sharing this video with us. ❤️
Yes, creativity as distraction and focus, also as meditation, which is what watercolor has been for me in the last year or so with some family challenges. I'm a writer/author and it is balancing and restful to move from verbal to visual creativity. Thank you for this.
One thing this nerd appreciates is that when I notice a spot in your painting that needs attention, it's not long before you attend to it. Something that can not be said for most vloggers out there. Makes me happy to see that...
I have watched this video so many times. Each time I want to remind you that you create in so many of us space to create. Sometimes with you. Sometimes alone but you have push many of us further down the road to creativity. Thank you.
Wow, incredible painting & all wonderful reasons. Learning to enjoy the artistic process rather than focusing on the end result has become a recent breakthrough. It's helped me learn to be kinder to myself and has been healing in addition to being rewarding. I'd love to hear more about how you built up your confidence in sharing your art when you first started your career :)
Love this process video…..so relaxing and thank you for sharing your love of art and how it has framed your life in a positive way. May I ask what color you placed on the tree trunks….or did you mix it? Thank you!
This tree Grove is lovely and yes, knowing pigment details is fun. I learn something everytime I pick up my brush. Thank you for knowing how art fills our souls with joy! Creating art is a full time endeavor.
You aren't wrong about how helpful art practice can be! My job is also in the creative field but painting helped me find an outlet that wasn't mired in the obsession for being perfect for others. It has helped me through so much. And even though daily art practice has been not happening much recently in my life due to circumstances, I can't wait till I can manage to make it a regular part of my day again. Love your videos as always... you have the most soothing voice!
I relate to so many things you express and I absolutely love watching you paint and produce such beautiful art. I am trying to find a way to cultivate a daily art practice. At the moment it brings me more anxieties than anything else, because I have not found a style nor ideas for what I want to paint or draw. I don't feel talented, and always end up being critical of what I do on paper and then follows the disappointments and the resistance to show up again in front of a blank paper. I wish I could break from this pattern .......Not sure how. Would love some feedback from any others like me who have found ways to tap into their creative expression, despite feeling stuck, uninspired and self critical. Thank you! 💜
The only answer is to ignore those feelings and just keep going - you will break through it, but it's the 'doing' that will help you get over those feelings. I hope that makes sense! Everyone feels like this at some point to a lesser or greater extent.
I love needing out about art supplies, especially watercolours 😊 I also love it when I sort of get obsessed by art, right now I can’t stop making mini paintings and trying out different pigments and styles. It’s like a meditation drug or something lol
I'm fairly new to art as a hobby, but a lot of what you said resonated with me. I feel a sense of excitement and joy come over me as I sit down with my sketchbook, and when I have a multi-day project going on, I'm excited to jump back in and add something to it. And I've dreamed about colors and compositions and project ideas 😃
What a scrummy video Natasha! .. & I echo the replies of others here in that you are definitely not alone in your 'reasons'.. many of us share them. Art, for me, is meditation in motion - the texture of the paper, the feel of the brush, the colour palette choice & the magic that happens between water, pigment & placement. Moves & excites me like nothing else & has got me through a very difficult time that sprang up in October & is only now beginning to settle. Anxiety (& it's pesky bedfellow Panic Attack) is a frustratingly debilitating little bugger that I am completely free of when engaging with my Art. Even sorting through & tidying my workspace brings me joy! I salute you & all our fellow Art Nerds! Big Hugs xx xx
Hello, Natasha! Thank you so much for this amazing video! I listened to your advice and as an anxious person, I thought that I should really sit down and focus on my art when I m not feeling well. I have also tried pottery recently and I absolutely loved it! My mind just switched off and I was totally emerged into creative process😮 Creating art also helps me to surround myself with beautiful things I make and I really like this aspect of it✨
Sounds like you have the diagnosis "GAD", I have that too, it can really be overwhelming. "GAD" stands for "Generalised anxiety disorder" and it means that you generate your own anxiety and worries about things you can not control, some of the worries can even be of stuff that is very unlikely to happen, but still becomes so big of a worry that it turns in to anxiety, its a tricky diagnosis to handle. And even if you recognise yourself in the things I'm writing here or not I want to say that I really appreciate you opening up about that you feel anxiety, it's very brave of you. Lots of love/ Lena
Yes, embracing our inner nerd is so freeing! Also giving myself permission to do art my way and not worry about what others may think has helped me be much more joyful in gathering my materials and using them. One thing that has brought me a lot of calm and peace is allowing myself to not finish what I'm working on in the same session. I had this weird hurried feeling of it needs to be doen now or else.. What the else was, I haven't a clue. Now I can leave something until the next day or even the day after. I just make sure if I've had an idea I start on it and know what that idea was when I continue. 😊 Thank you for this lovely video. I do do something with my art everyday, even if it's just sitting down and looking at my supplies. I've also found a group of friends to nerd out about pencils and stamps and washitape and watercolours and all the other things we love to use. We try to see each other once a month and we're in contact almost daily. It's made my journey so much more fun!
Hi Natasha. I have exactly the same “brain” and associated issues as you. Art has been invaluable to me to take myself away from all the worries and I agree wholeheartedly with all in the list you have mentioned. Thank heavens for art!! Lovely picture by the way 😊
I know the type of brain you’re talking about, because I have one of those too 🙄 and art really helps me to calm down and just enjoy the moment. I’m passionate about art and materials too, but I don’t feel I could transition to a full time artist as the pressure of producing, marketing and paying the bills would probably skyrocket my anxiety and shut me down from creating. I’m happy to keep it as a side practice though ☺️
I very much agree with your reasons in particular with escapism and excitement because even during very difficult life periods recently of dissapointment and despair when everything seemed to fall apart, I could still find inner joy and stability in creating or at least planning new works. For me art is essentialy important, it is a necessary ingredient for my life. Please post more process videos, I love watching them ♥️💐!
Literally just off of the back of watching your beautiful video, swatching your 30 favourite watercolours. As in some of the the previous comments, I've also found your narration very resonant. I found watercolour painting very late in life (late sixties) and now, retired, beat myself up every day for not discovering it much, much sooner. To me, it does several of the things you've outlined, particularly in regards to excitement, anticipation, focus, love of discovering and delving into something new and, as recently as last weekend, meeting like-minded people as I exhibited my work for the first time (only in a local restaurant). But it was lovely talking about our love, obsession and nerdiness over a coffee. we are not alone!! Thank you again.
Wow.. beautiful painting Natasha.. it caught my eye when it came across my feed. Look.. only 19 hours have gone by and you already have 3000 views. I suspect it’s because your videos and so quiet and lovely. One day soon when I have money, I will be inquiring about buying an original from you. I would love to have this one hanging on my wall. I’m sure it will be gone by then tho 😅
Inspiration always strikes at the WORST time - when I’m food shopping, doing the washing up, in the middle of the night etc. so I have to write it down in my notes app on my phone so I don’t forget it, but then I can get on with whatever I was doing but when I’m stuck for inspiration I can go through the notes app on my phone & remind myself of a moment I had inspiration
Oh Natasha, what a lovely video, I loved this. I've been feeling so lost with my art practice lately, for a while a felt like I was on a roll, then a comment from someone close to me, threw me off completely. It wasn't unkind, more constructive criticism, but it got in my head for some reason and my work has grind to a halt! I've been following you for a while now, you were of the first artists I started to follow when I first started getting into my own art practice, and the beautiful simplicity, yet layered and textural complexity of your work has always inspired me, as has your views on life and your own personality traits which so mirror and resonate with my own. This is a long (slightly fan girl😂) message, but this is all to say, I guess, thank you for showing up just when I needed to hear this. I going to get back to the art I love to make, and back to a daily practice and try to understand that not everyone will like it, and understand that that's ok. Thank you Natasha, as always your work and your words are beautiful ❤☮️
I'm so touched by your comment, Lynsey. Thank you. Please don't let the words of one person halt your creativity (and there's a fine line between "constructive criticism" and being unkind - this sounds to me more like it may have been erring on the side of unkind going by the effect it's had on you, but of course I don't know for sure). Now go and create and have fun doing it! :) x
this video touched my little nerdy heart; researching properties of pigments, obsessing about limited palettes, building perfect palettes for every occasion is what I do when I am too tired to paint. To be fair I do that with anything I focus on, even if it's not art. Kinda like trying to absorb all the information in order to make educated decisions. Thank you for the heartwarming video!
I recently found your channel and I'm really enjoying your style of art! Thank you for sharing! Can I assume you're using gouche? Also, what was the music in this video?
I LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE this video!!! I can’t even express how much I relate to your thoughts and the way we “live our art”. Thank you for sharing these very personal emotions 🫶🏻💕💕
You put it so well on every point, I have nothing to add but to agree wholeheartedly with everything you said. A lovely video and a beautiful painting.x
@@amandahodgin9316 To quote Homer Simpson, 👉 “Neeeeeeeerd!” 😂😂. It’s actually very nice and exciting to know more about pigments. Some people get excited about the chemistry of pigments; I’m more interested in the history and properties of pigments. But who knows, maybe one day I’ll find myself walking around with lab goggles, pigment in one hand and a test tube in another 😂😂😂
A great video. I love being an art nerd just the way you described. I used to feel like it was taking away from my actual working on projects, but you explained this dimension of being an artist so well. I use watercolor as a meditative practice as I study the Bible. It will also be a legacy to leave for my grandchildren. I am just starting out at 72 and feel no need to sell my art, so it will all go to family and friends as gifts.
I totally relate to being very much an Art Nerd. I do not fit in with people that are not in the arts. I am an artist and an Art Teacher in Elementary school. No one understands the mindset but us 😊 Thank you for positive words about painting.
I loved hearing you talk about the things that are gained by a regular art practise. At the end as you painted your white trees I felt the sense of prayer or meditation that can come whilst making art, to be in a flow state x
I work full time in a less than soul fulfilling job, but what keeps me going is my moments at my art table. I always have a project that I am working on and it fills me with a trembling excitement
You need that. :)
Hello Natasha! Just finished watching your video. Thank you for keeping me company while I paint! Yes I have these days or hours in a day where I spend researching art materials or moving things to basket and wish list on Jacksons. :D Its exiting to learn more about different mediums and I have noticed that sometimes my basket forms specific colour palette of the day and how I feel and other days I have completely different colours in mind.
Also thank you for sharing a bit about when you became full time artist. Although I am younger than you I still struggled with internet part for a long time and know much more tech persons or business minded people younger than me making art full time job. I feel everyone is different and need to embrace it. Everyone has their own journey I guess something to look forward to.
I also recently read graphic novel about artist journey and there is so much more to learn and never get bored, the journey doesn't end when we reach goals. its exiting to learn new things, thank you for being reminder to us about this as well!
Thank you for being here Natasha, so glad I have found you! All the best! Kriksis
I'm so glad to have found you too, Kriksis! I knew you'd understand about the obsession with researching new materials! The same thing happens to my basket on Jackson's too, and I'm constantly adding new colours/materials to the wish list. ;) Thank you for your lovely comment. x
You’re definitely not alone in the beautiful obsession of creating! What an incredible gift we get to live a life with an observant eye; the ability to see a whole other universe in a tiny rogue flower or the patterns that swirl on our watercolor palettes ❤
So true, Shona!
I recently got the book Soul Colour by Emma Burleigh. I am really enjoying the free and mindful approach to exploring your materials and your creativity. The book has 10 weeks worth of prompts. I am only on week 1 and I have decided to devote a sketchbook that I made to the practice of following this book. I am also not allowing myself to peak ahead, instead taking each day and prompt as they come and openly allowing myself to discover without advance thinking about the exercise….just mindfully going with the flow.
Enjoyed your 'fireside chat' as much as your painting. Thank you for a completely authentic 17 + minutes.
Thank you so much, Julia!
Natasha, I don't know where to begin describing how much this video resonated with me. Not only did you speak from your heart but also mine. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, your process and so much of yourself. As a fellow introvert I know how challenging that is. Also, I wanted to dorkily hi five you for talking about your nerdy side. 👋 That is me! 👋Here me, the one jumping and waving in the background. I was in my teens as well, not having the internet as accessible as it is now, (RUclips and Facebook were "invented" when I was in college 😅) but I am using it now to nerd out on swatching videos day in day out. 😄 Unfortunately art has found me late in my life but oh did it lift me up. I have noticed myself that I am looking at the world through different eyes now and the way it keeps me in the moment is unique. I have an almost obsessive impulse to create and I share the curious nature that you have described, so art both invigorates and calms me at the same time. Isn't that amazing? Thank you again Natasha. I just love listening to this video simply because it sounds like conversation with a friend. Have a wonderful week!
That's so lovely, thank you! *high five*
Lovely, Natasha! I don't usually do prompts, but you've inspired me to give it a try. I love watching you paint and listening to your calming voice. You're a treasure.
I'm so glad you've been inspired to give it a try, Jill! x
What an absolutely interesting video. I was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease 18 months ago. I didn’t know how I was going to decline and ultimately die gracefully. I took up painting watercolor! I started this past November. I also was put on Hospice that month. I paint every day. I practice lessons, swatch my paints or make wish lists of materials. But it all brings me hope and a sense of well being. I’m so glad you have shared so much about yourself in your videos. I am so much like you! Thanks for letting me share. Much love to you❤️
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis , Marian, but your attitude is wonderful. I wish you all the very best. Just keep enjoying your watercolour journey! x
i make sure there is something nearby when i go to bed that i can wright an idea on if i wake up or have a dream idea. and i embrace being an art nerd, even if it drives people batty when i start talking about art lol😝
Being an artist is definitely a lifestyle. An artist learns to see the world differently from others. I often will stop to study something that catches my attention and them I start drawing or painting it in my head. 😅
Art is such amazing therapy, it sooths my soul and gives such beautiful meaning to my life, thank you for sharing your thoughts
Thank you so much, it is lovely. i have rediscovered my painting and drawing after many years and am loving the challenge of teaching myself 🇬🇧❤
I love everything about this video🥰
Your painting is beautiful and among the items on your list, #1, 5, and 8 are especially resonant with me😊
Thank you so much, Wendy!
First, for the non-art stuff. The technical quality of your videos is terrific. Great lighting and presentation. And your voice. What a smooth, beautiful voice-over you always give. No stammering or using the dreaded "like" over and over. I enjoy listening to your luxurious tones that provide a calm feeling to each and every upload. As for your eight reasons to do art. Your voice could have been mine! I always tell people (especially worriers like myself) that art is a great way to completely forget the negativity inside the head and focus on something else. I have created so much art, especially at two in the morning when the demons seem to awaken, but out of worry has come a bounty of projects. Also like you, I enjoy the nerd aspect. I remember spending hours researching Indian yellow and its history! (BTW, the only Indian yellow I truly love is Sennelier as it seems to be the only brand that uses PY153 and PY154 in its mix!) Anyway, thanks for taking the time to make such lovely videos and providing meaningful narrative to accompany your work. Always happy when you post something new. p.s. I was inspired so just joined your Patreon.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sally, and welcome to my Patreon! I hope that you enjoy it over there (I now have over 40 Patreon-exclusive videos available, so hopefully you'll find lots to watch!). Art nerds unite! ;)
Thank you for being so honest about yourself. Art is so important at whatever stage of life you are at. Your work is very inspiring
Thank you so much, Paula!
Beautiful video Natasha! Your channel is one of my favorite, partly because your videos (and your voice) are so relaxing, For me, art has been a way to deal with burnout. I had a huge crash last summer (because of overwork and trauma) and watercolor is the on thing that appeases me and allows me to think of nothing but my art process. And I love this community :)
Thank you, Kami. Thank you also for being a part of this community! I had a burnout in the summer of 2021. It was awful. Take care of yourself!
Love this beautiful video Natasha……and your beautiful words.. ❤ xx
Thank you so much! x
What a lovely video with my morning knitting and tea. Natasha I want to tell you your music selections are so good. Just love your videos
Thank you so much!
Thank you, for sharing. I love your art!
Thank you so much, Mari!
Hi Natasha, I love this wonderful piece of art it’s beautiful. I am the same incorporating art into daily life helps me tremendously everyday I can’t wait to have a go at some form of art with paint or pencils or a combination I love to try and have a go. I get obsessed with art materials and can’t wait until I can buy new supplies, my favourite art shop is Jackson’s I love it they have so much choice it’s heaven. Lots of love to you Natasha and thanks for sharing ❤
The choice at Jackson's is amazing, isn't it?! There's nothing more exciting than a Jackson's box arriving on your doorstep. :) xxx
Curiosity in art is my north... my therapy♥︎... beautiful picture★! Kind regards from Barcelona!
Thank you so much, Natascha!
Loved this video so much. I don’t dedicate as much time as I would like to art, it frustrates me quite a lot. I am trying to rectify that this year. I am with you in regard to it easing anxiety! I love this painting as well. Hope you don’t mind me asking but what paper are you using? X
Thanks Sarah! I hope that you're able to make more time for art this year. :) The paper is Arches cold pressed (I think - I'm actually not 100% sure!). x
@@NatashaNewtonArt thank you 😊 x
As always a wonderful video. You hit upon all the reasons I believe a daily art practice is key to my life. Thank you.
Thank you, Marte! I'm glad it resonated with you. :)
This video was amazing especially to watch to the very end
Thank you!
This artwork is beautiful I love your thoughts as you paint even when I'm tidying my art space I consider I've been creative as long as I'm intouch with my art and artspace I feel fulfilled. Thank you for sharing Natasha 💜
I totally get this! I do (and feel) the same. :)
Thank you, I loved watching this. Thank you also for your tips. Very good advice, and just what I needed 😊
Glad it was helpful, Linda! Thank you. :)
Being a nerd is indeed seriously underrated 🦎🦎 fabulous painting xx
It is indeed, Debs! ;) x
I related to everything you said. Art has kept me alive and given me something to focus on and look forward to through the darkest days of my life. In addition to providing comfort and focus and joy, I have also experienced growth and healing through art. It's just such a gift.
I love hoe you seem so excited to express your feeling toward are 🥰 I love creating art whether it's just sketching, swatching or just planning a piece because it gives me a sense of achievement, espacially that currently I feel like I failed in my career, I failed my health and even my relationships with my friends and family. Hopefully in the future it gets better but nowadays, literally art us what keeps me going 🌺
It WILL get better. I'm sorry that things have been so difficult for you. Sending you loads of positive vibes!
Lovely video and I couldn't agree more with all your points 😊...signed, a fellow nerd 😁❤
All art nerds welcome here! You're in good company. ;)
Great video and as always, lovely art. Always a delight to see it build. In my case art did not come to me until my late 50s and has been a revelation. I may not be very good but it is totally absorbing so you just forget the outside world. And as a techie by trade it is entirely different from my work life. I think I need to try and set aside more time for art - even if it’s just half an hour of playing with paint. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks Jan! The great thing about art is that it's never too late to start. :)
Ahhh a fellow nerd. Haha. Needing to know everything and often getting lost down a clicking black hole. Love it! Although hours seem to disappear lol. Thank you for sharing. As always a delight to listen to you and your art process videos are always very inspiring and I am now going to try a woodland scene as my Sunday art practice...And listen to the Archers. More like this please Natasha. X
Ah, I'm so glad that you enjoyed this style of video, Lesley! I love the phrase "a clicking black hole". That's exactly what it is, ha ha! Enjoy your art and The Archers. :) x
If I go to bed thinking of painting I usually get up during the night and do a little painting. If I don’t I will just toss and turn all night!! And you painting is lovely.
YES! I need to do this instead of tossing and turning and worrying that I'll forget it before morning (although I do sometimes just make a quick written note on my phone instead).
Thank you for this wholesome video. I’m so happy to hear that I’m not the only nerd when it comes to researching art supplies, dreaming about colour palettes, being amazed by shapes and colours in nature,… I love your art style. It always evokes a sense of wonder in me, a bit like a fairytale.🥰
You're definitely not alone when it comes to art nerd-ery, Kirsten! ;)
I am a nerd and I completely support your nerdy lifestyle!
Art Nerds Unite!
I love videos where we get to watch you paint! This painting turned out lovely. I'm reading a book called The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (famous music producer, but the book is not about music per se). It contains a lot of interesting thoughts on creativity and one of them is the value in simply noticing the world and collecting random "seeds" for future work, much like you described here.
That sounds like an interesting book!
Absolutely beautiful work, as always ❤️. And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that does research sometimes for days on art products (really did think I was the only one, I feel normal now, thank you) 🤣
Thank you for sharing this video with us. ❤️
Thank you for sharing Natasha. I did a painting every morning in lockdown and loved it. Could you tell me what tape you use please. Thanks.
It's the best tape I've used and it's MT washi tape from Cult Pens. :)
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer. 😁👍
Yes, creativity as distraction and focus, also as meditation, which is what watercolor has been for me in the last year or so with some family challenges. I'm a writer/author and it is balancing and restful to move from verbal to visual creativity. Thank you for this.
One thing this nerd appreciates is that when I notice a spot in your painting that needs attention, it's not long before you attend to it.
Something that can not be said for most vloggers out there. Makes me happy to see that...
Who is the author of that guitar song? It is really beautiful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, 😍
It's Mountain Air by Cody Francis (you can find it on Epidemic Sound). :)
@@NatashaNewtonArt thanks
I have watched this video so many times. Each time I want to remind you that you create in so many of us space to create. Sometimes with you. Sometimes alone but you have push many of us further down the road to creativity. Thank you.
Thank you so much. 😊
Wow, incredible painting & all wonderful reasons. Learning to enjoy the artistic process rather than focusing on the end result has become a recent breakthrough. It's helped me learn to be kinder to myself and has been healing in addition to being rewarding. I'd love to hear more about how you built up your confidence in sharing your art when you first started your career :)
Love this process video…..so relaxing and thank you for sharing your love of art and how it has framed your life in a positive way. May I ask what color you placed on the tree trunks….or did you mix it? Thank you!
Thanks Lynn! The tree trunks in this one were the QOR Ardoise Grey.
@@NatashaNewtonArt thank you so much!
This tree Grove is lovely and yes, knowing pigment details is fun. I learn something everytime I pick up my brush. Thank you for knowing how art fills our souls with joy! Creating art is a full time endeavor.
You aren't wrong about how helpful art practice can be! My job is also in the creative field but painting helped me find an outlet that wasn't mired in the obsession for being perfect for others. It has helped me through so much. And even though daily art practice has been not happening much recently in my life due to circumstances, I can't wait till I can manage to make it a regular part of my day again. Love your videos as always... you have the most soothing voice!
Beautiful painting Natasha ❤ And couldn’t agree more with all the 8 points raised 🙌🏼
I relate to so many things you express and I absolutely love watching you paint and produce such beautiful art. I am trying to find a way to cultivate a daily art practice. At the moment it brings me more anxieties than anything else, because I have not found a style nor ideas for what I want to paint or draw. I don't feel talented, and always end up being critical of what I do on paper and then follows the disappointments and the resistance to show up again in front of a blank paper. I wish I could break from this pattern .......Not sure how. Would love some feedback from any others like me who have found ways to tap into their creative expression, despite feeling stuck, uninspired and self critical. Thank you! 💜
The only answer is to ignore those feelings and just keep going - you will break through it, but it's the 'doing' that will help you get over those feelings. I hope that makes sense! Everyone feels like this at some point to a lesser or greater extent.
@@NatashaNewtonArt Thank you so much for your feedback Natasha! I will do just that! 💜
I love needing out about art supplies, especially watercolours 😊 I also love it when I sort of get obsessed by art, right now I can’t stop making mini paintings and trying out different pigments and styles. It’s like a meditation drug or something lol
I TOTALLY get this!
I'm fairly new to art as a hobby, but a lot of what you said resonated with me. I feel a sense of excitement and joy come over me as I sit down with my sketchbook, and when I have a multi-day project going on, I'm excited to jump back in and add something to it. And I've dreamed about colors and compositions and project ideas 😃
What a scrummy video Natasha! .. & I echo the replies of others here in that you are definitely not alone in your 'reasons'.. many of us share them.
Art, for me, is meditation in motion - the texture of the paper, the feel of the brush, the colour palette choice & the magic that happens between water, pigment & placement.
Moves & excites me like nothing else & has got me through a very difficult time that sprang up in October & is only now beginning to settle.
Anxiety (& it's pesky bedfellow Panic Attack) is a frustratingly debilitating little bugger that I am completely free of when engaging with my Art. Even sorting through & tidying my workspace brings me joy!
I salute you & all our fellow Art Nerds!
Big Hugs xx xx
Hello, Natasha! Thank you so much for this amazing video! I listened to your advice and as an anxious person, I thought that I should really sit down and focus on my art when I m not feeling well. I have also tried pottery recently and I absolutely loved it! My mind just switched off and I was totally emerged into creative process😮
Creating art also helps me to surround myself with beautiful things I make and I really like this aspect of it✨
Sounds like you have the diagnosis "GAD", I have that too, it can really be overwhelming. "GAD" stands for "Generalised anxiety disorder" and it means that you generate your own anxiety and worries about things you can not control, some of the worries can even be of stuff that is very unlikely to happen, but still becomes so big of a worry that it turns in to anxiety, its a tricky diagnosis to handle. And even if you recognise yourself in the things I'm writing here or not I want to say that I really appreciate you opening up about that you feel anxiety, it's very brave of you. Lots of love/ Lena
Yes, embracing our inner nerd is so freeing! Also giving myself permission to do art my way and not worry about what others may think has helped me be much more joyful in gathering my materials and using them. One thing that has brought me a lot of calm and peace is allowing myself to not finish what I'm working on in the same session. I had this weird hurried feeling of it needs to be doen now or else.. What the else was, I haven't a clue. Now I can leave something until the next day or even the day after. I just make sure if I've had an idea I start on it and know what that idea was when I continue. 😊 Thank you for this lovely video. I do do something with my art everyday, even if it's just sitting down and looking at my supplies. I've also found a group of friends to nerd out about pencils and stamps and washitape and watercolours and all the other things we love to use. We try to see each other once a month and we're in contact almost daily. It's made my journey so much more fun!
Hi Natasha. I have exactly the same “brain” and associated issues as you. Art has been invaluable to me to take myself away from all the worries and I agree wholeheartedly with all in the list you have mentioned. Thank heavens for art!! Lovely picture by the way 😊
I so get you! Love everything you said and the painting came out beautifully. 👏🏼🧡
Thank you so much, Alyona!
I know the type of brain you’re talking about, because I have one of those too 🙄 and art really helps me to calm down and just enjoy the moment. I’m passionate about art and materials too, but I don’t feel I could transition to a full time artist as the pressure of producing, marketing and paying the bills would probably skyrocket my anxiety and shut me down from creating. I’m happy to keep it as a side practice though ☺️
That sounds like the right decision for you - just keep it fun without the stress! :)
I very much agree with your reasons in particular with escapism and excitement because even during very difficult life periods recently of dissapointment and despair when everything seemed to fall apart, I could still find inner joy and stability in creating or at least planning new works. For me art is essentialy important, it is a necessary ingredient for my life. Please post more process videos, I love watching them ♥️💐!
Thank you! I hope you're ok and that things are a little easier now. x
@@NatashaNewtonArt I'm doing much better now :) thank you Natasha 🙏! There is such a good vibe to your channel, I'm glad I discovered it 🌟!
@@lgp423 Thank you again! I'm glad you did too. :)
Yes, art is a superb distraction for an overactive mind...and it's fun!
I’ve been missing videos when the tablet is literally next to me 😢. Oh well! Not first and hi everyone 👋🏼
I'd wondered where you were! ;) Thank you for popping along - it's nice to see you!
Always always glad to be here 😊
great video thx. Natasha which song is it in the background?
Beautiful Natasha and thank you for your words of encouragement. Xxx
I saw the pic of this painting just earlier this morning and I was hoping to see a paint-through! Thank you :)
Literally just off of the back of watching your beautiful video, swatching your 30 favourite watercolours.
As in some of the the previous comments, I've also found your narration very resonant.
I found watercolour painting very late in life (late sixties) and now, retired, beat myself up every day for not discovering it much, much sooner. To me, it does several of the things you've outlined, particularly in regards to excitement, anticipation, focus, love of discovering and delving into something new and, as recently as last weekend, meeting like-minded people as I exhibited my work for the first time (only in a local restaurant). But it was lovely talking about our love, obsession and nerdiness over a coffee. we are not alone!! Thank you again.
Congratulations on exhibiting your work for the first time!
Wow.. beautiful painting Natasha.. it caught my eye when it came across my feed. Look.. only 19 hours have gone by and you already have 3000 views. I suspect it’s because your videos and so quiet and lovely. One day soon when I have money, I will be inquiring about buying an original from you. I would love to have this one hanging on my wall. I’m sure it will be gone by then tho 😅
Thank you so much, Susan!
Inspiration always strikes at the WORST time - when I’m food shopping, doing the washing up, in the middle of the night etc. so I have to write it down in my notes app on my phone so I don’t forget it, but then I can get on with whatever I was doing but when I’m stuck for inspiration I can go through the notes app on my phone & remind myself of a moment I had inspiration
The Notes app is invaluable, isn't it! I do exactly the same. :)
OMG,I totally relate! Best video.❤❤❤❤
Oh Natasha, what a lovely video, I loved this.
I've been feeling so lost with my art practice lately, for a while a felt like I was on a roll, then a comment from someone close to me, threw me off completely. It wasn't unkind, more constructive criticism, but it got in my head for some reason and my work has grind to a halt!
I've been following you for a while now, you were of the first artists I started to follow when I first started getting into my own art practice, and the beautiful simplicity, yet layered and textural complexity of your work has always inspired me, as has your views on life and your own personality traits which so mirror and resonate with my own. This is a long (slightly fan girl😂) message, but this is all to say, I guess, thank you for showing up just when I needed to hear this. I going to get back to the art I love to make, and back to a daily practice and try to understand that not everyone will like it, and understand that that's ok.
Thank you Natasha, as always your work and your words are beautiful ❤☮️
I'm so touched by your comment, Lynsey. Thank you. Please don't let the words of one person halt your creativity (and there's a fine line between "constructive criticism" and being unkind - this sounds to me more like it may have been erring on the side of unkind going by the effect it's had on you, but of course I don't know for sure). Now go and create and have fun doing it! :) x
this video touched my little nerdy heart; researching properties of pigments, obsessing about limited palettes, building perfect palettes for every occasion is what I do when I am too tired to paint. To be fair I do that with anything I focus on, even if it's not art. Kinda like trying to absorb all the information in order to make educated decisions. Thank you for the heartwarming video!
Thank you! :)
I recently found your channel and I'm really enjoying your style of art! Thank you for sharing! Can I assume you're using gouche? Also, what was the music in this video?
Thanks Carolyn! I generally use a combination of watercolour and gouache. :)
Thank you soo much for all of this. Inspiring in more ways than I have time to list. Thank you for your presence. I'm subscribing.
Thank you so much!
I LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE this video!!! I can’t even express how much I relate to your thoughts and the way we “live our art”. Thank you for sharing these very personal emotions 🫶🏻💕💕
I'm so glad that this video meant something to you, thank you. :)
You put it so well on every point, I have nothing to add but to agree wholeheartedly with everything you said. A lovely video and a beautiful painting.x
Thank you so much, Jess! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. x
Raise your hand if you’re a pigment nerd … 🙋🏻♂️
I’m not yet but I feel like it might be coming.
@@amandahodgin9316 To quote Homer Simpson, 👉 “Neeeeeeeerd!” 😂😂. It’s actually very nice and exciting to know more about pigments. Some people get excited about the chemistry of pigments; I’m more interested in the history and properties of pigments. But who knows, maybe one day I’ll find myself walking around with lab goggles, pigment in one hand and a test tube in another 😂😂😂
I have never had a problem with being a nerd. You should see the collection of mathematics books that I have in my library.
Ha ha!
@@amandahodgin9316 Oh, cool! Mathematics, I mean: NEEEEERD. 😆 I’ve been toying around with the idea of trying the maths on Brilliant.
😍 beautifully done, Natasha! Once again, your color palette is gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Now that you've collected so much paint, would you share your storage? Thank you.
I'm hoping to do that in an upcoming studio tour that focuses on storage. :)
Beautiful painting! I read somewhere the worry part and the creative part of the brain cannot work at the same time.
Ooh, that's interesting! That would explain a lot. :)
I love this painting so beautiful and those little mushrooms r adorable ❤ great job natasha😊
Thanks Amber! 🦎 x
Great video nerds are my favourite people, love your art 🎨 ❤ 👍🏾
Thank you so much, Patricia!
loved this video, it was as if you read my thoughts. Paint on fellow nerd.
Ha ha, thanks!
A great video. I love being an art nerd just the way you described. I used to feel like it was taking away from my actual working on projects, but you explained this dimension of being an artist so well. I use watercolor as a meditative practice as I study the Bible. It will also be a legacy to leave for my grandchildren. I am just starting out at 72 and feel no need to sell my art, so it will all go to family and friends as gifts.
I totally relate to being very much an Art Nerd. I do not fit in with people that are not in the arts. I am an artist and an Art Teacher in Elementary school. No one understands the mindset but us 😊 Thank you for positive words about painting.
Researching art supplies is my guilty pleasure too ❤
This is lovely. Really excellent job here. So good.
Thank you very much!
That turned out great; I love this art style, and also the colors.
Thank you so much!
Nerdiness is underrated !! Love it ! Thanks for the lovely video.
Thank you too!
I agree with everything you said Natasha and your painting turned out wonderful.
Thanks Elaine!
💖
Thanks
I loved hearing you talk about the things that are gained by a regular art practise. At the end as you painted your white trees I felt the sense of prayer or meditation that can come whilst making art, to be in a flow state x
Thank you so much, Luna! That's really kind of you. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video and the art-making! x
Thank you for another beautiful video!
Thank you, Amber!
You are simply delightful!
I appreciate that, Vicki! Thank you.
I appreciate that, Vicki! Thank you.
Beautiful painting!
What a lovely painting! Really enjoyed the chat and I agree with all of your points! I too dream of painting - or colours etc :)