Wellington artist, Natalie Parker, has explored a range of subjects in her work, but always finds herself returning to flowers. Captivated by the range of forms and colours that exist in nature, Parker has been creating floral works of art for as long as she can remember; and still has lots of botanical-themed creations planned.
“There’s just something so uplifting about flowers. As a young girl I remember drawing them all the time, even on my school notes, and in a world that becomes darker by the day I feel it is my mission to bring more joy and beauty into the world.”
Greatly inspired by the floral works of Monet, Parker was almost brought to tears during a recent visit to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art to view his work.
“I have never been so moved by artwork. There was something so magical about seeing an artist’s soul poured onto canvas. Monet was an inspirational painter who immersed himself in his subject matter, and I can learn so much from him.”
Parker has been a regular exhibitor at the NZ Art Show for many years, and has been part of many solo and group shows in the Kapiti Coast and Wellington since 2010. ‘Floral Musings’, a recent solo show at the Thistle Hall Gallery in Wellington, presented a collection of different floral works including paintings on canvas, works on paper, mixed media collages and even painting on coffee tables.
“The aim was to produce a beautiful, floral-obsessed environment in which my audience could feel uplifted and immersed in beauty.”
Parker finds preparations for a show relatively straightforward. “I am a highly organised and detail-orientated woman, so actually getting the work done is no problem for me. What I do find challenging is the work itself. I always want to present my best and I find that sometimes this can prevent the flow of the creativity. This year, I countered this block by setting myself the challenge of painting a small, A4, floral work on paper in only 30 minutes every day for 60 days.
This 60-day challenge forged wide-ranging benefits for Parker. As well as being enjoyable, it challenged her to investigate new ideas and to work quickly; but most of all it prevented creative blocks.
“The process helped produce new ideas and explore colour themes and patterns for my larger pieces in the show.”
The new year brings many creative resolutions for Parker. She is currently developing a side project painting bridal bouquets, and will be a part of the Wellington Wedding Show in May; later this year she will return to the NZ Art Show to feature work on a single artist wall; and in the long-term she hopes to begin licensing her floral creations for use in wallpaper and stationery.
“I’ve finally realised that florals is what brings me the most joy: so, that is what I will paint, regardless of its popularity or marketability. I strongly believe that if you paint what you love, that joy will show through your work and people will be drawn to it.”
You can see more of Parker’s work on her website, natalieparkerartist.com.
“There’s just something so uplifting about flowers. As a young girl I remember drawing them all the time, even on my school notes, and in a world that becomes darker by the day I feel it is my mission to bring more joy and beauty into the world.”
Greatly inspired by the floral works of Monet, Parker was almost brought to tears during a recent visit to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art to view his work.
“I have never been so moved by artwork. There was something so magical about seeing an artist’s soul poured onto canvas. Monet was an inspirational painter who immersed himself in his subject matter, and I can learn so much from him.”
Parker has been a regular exhibitor at the NZ Art Show for many years, and has been part of many solo and group shows in the Kapiti Coast and Wellington since 2010. ‘Floral Musings’, a recent solo show at the Thistle Hall Gallery in Wellington, presented a collection of different floral works including paintings on canvas, works on paper, mixed media collages and even painting on coffee tables.
“The aim was to produce a beautiful, floral-obsessed environment in which my audience could feel uplifted and immersed in beauty.”
Parker finds preparations for a show relatively straightforward. “I am a highly organised and detail-orientated woman, so actually getting the work done is no problem for me. What I do find challenging is the work itself. I always want to present my best and I find that sometimes this can prevent the flow of the creativity. This year, I countered this block by setting myself the challenge of painting a small, A4, floral work on paper in only 30 minutes every day for 60 days.
This 60-day challenge forged wide-ranging benefits for Parker. As well as being enjoyable, it challenged her to investigate new ideas and to work quickly; but most of all it prevented creative blocks.
“The process helped produce new ideas and explore colour themes and patterns for my larger pieces in the show.”
The new year brings many creative resolutions for Parker. She is currently developing a side project painting bridal bouquets, and will be a part of the Wellington Wedding Show in May; later this year she will return to the NZ Art Show to feature work on a single artist wall; and in the long-term she hopes to begin licensing her floral creations for use in wallpaper and stationery.
“I’ve finally realised that florals is what brings me the most joy: so, that is what I will paint, regardless of its popularity or marketability. I strongly believe that if you paint what you love, that joy will show through your work and people will be drawn to it.”
You can see more of Parker’s work on her website, natalieparkerartist.com.
Natalie Parker in her Wellington studio. Photograph by Devon Waikari
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