Artist Natalie Featherston
Congratulations to Natalie Featherston who has earned her place as a Finalist in the 4th Edition.
WHO ARE YOU?
I am a reformed classical cellist who chose to become a painter. Switching careers mid-stream isn’t easy, but I found painting was much more rewarding than sitting in an orchestra playing Mahler symphonies. Once I hit my stride painting, I never looked back. I feel I made the right decision, and I’m glad I had the guts to do it. This informs my work in big way— I stick to my guns and make the paintings that speak to me. Life is short so you might as well go where your heart leads you.
“Queen of the Night” (Winning work)
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
What inspired you into Painting?
I was inspired by the creativity that painting offered. Music notes on the page tell you what to play, but painting is an open-ended performance. There are no limits on your creativity.
“Nest”
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
Can you explain why you chose Painting as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?
Such an interesting question! I never considered anything other than painting. Perhaps this goes back to my classical education as a cellist and wanting to continue that old school - old masters tradition, but painting in oil was always my goal.
“Mended”
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
Have you experimented with other mediums?
Lately I’ve been building collages that I use as models for my trompe l’oeil paintings— so that might be considered experimenting in other mediums, but I’m afraid I’m a one-trick pony. Just an oil painter.
“Peared”
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
Can you discuss the inspiration behind “Queen of the Night”?
“Queen of the Night” was inspired by the Mozart opera of the same name. I was lucky enough as professional musician to play many of his operas, and Queen of the Night is my favorite. I loved the imagery of a powerful female figure with a raven’s head populating the night with her emissaries. The use of texture in this piece was especially relevant, as capturing textures is one of the most important things I strive for as a trompe l’oeil artist.
“Masquerade”
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
Your work is very whimsical and seems to "trick the eye", what about this style appealed to you as an artist?
Trompe l’oeil appeals to me for its whimsy and humor. I feel there’s enough darkness in the world— I want to make paintings that spark joy and wonder. The moment of disbelief when someone discovers what they thought was real is a painted illusion— that shared moment between artist and viewer is what I treasure.
“Brenda’s Huge Mistake”
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
Can you describe how you developed this style?
I started off as a still life painter, but I felt there were plenty of flower and fruit paintings hanging on walls. What there was not enough of, however, was fun, whimsy and irreverence, so I set out to make those paintings.
“Irving”
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?
I am painting like a madwoman from my solo show this fall with Meyer Gallery. ”FAUX SHO: Trompe L’Oeil Double Visions” will feature pairs of paintings based on the same idea. Most times when I’m creating new work I will have more than one idea about how to create a painting, so with this exhibition I’m showing two versions of the same inspiration.
“Night Owls”
Oil on Panel
By Natalie Featherston
Lastly, I would like to ask what advice you would give to your fellow artists?
It might surprise you, but the most valuable thing you can have as an artist is art friends. Find those people, find your tribe, and cultivate those relationships. These friends will understand your struggles like no one else- they can offer support and guidance that will help you navigate your way through your career. When you reach your goals make sure to pay it back and help others on their way up, as we all benefit from shared experience.
To view more of Natalie Featherston’s work