As a kid, I always had a heart for creativity. Whether it be the latest spin art kit or the DIY bath bomb maker, most days you could find me diving into something messy that allowed me to explore my artistic side. In college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I hated to study, jumped from major to major, and never felt called in any particular direction. Nonetheless, I continued to pursue a degree that promised “financial security.” To keep myself busy and to defray college expenses, I took a job at the Balfour House painting party cups. Even though I was not very good at it, I enjoyed it. I accepted my first commission my Junior year when a close friend hired me to paint an abstract painting for her home. Within minutes of posting it on Instagram I had another order. Then another. Then another. And, to my surprise, I stayed busy for the rest of college painting abstracts in my guest bedroom. Looking back, it was a pretty sweet gig!
”Colors by Natalie” was coined by my mom when she ordered business cards for me without my consent (because I honestly didn’t think this was going anywhere). She came up with the name all by herself and I will never forget the exact moment she handed them to me. They were black with rainbow paint splatters and read “Colors by Natalie” in a classic script font front and center. That moment will always stand out to me because I think God laughed, knowing what was to come.
After graduation, I decided to take a “gap year” while discerning a Masters in Psychology. During that gap year, I found myself painting every day while commission after commission poured in. I remember one specific evening when I looked down at my paint covered hands and said, “God, if this is what you want me to do with my future, keep the commissions coming. If not, put an end to it all and I’ll go back to school.” He heard me that night and, to keep it simple, there hasn’t been an end in sight!
While I grappled with my future, I found myself struggling with severe depression and anxiety. It was definitely a time in the desert and I questioned everything. It was also during that time that Jesus met me with arms wide open. I felt His love for me and I wanted to share His love with everyone I knew. It felt like once I finally surrendered my life to Him and His plan, everything changed. I began to incorporate Him into everything I did. Worship music was the only thing I listened to, I began frequenting Church, and I started praying before each commission. I noticed that my art drastically took on a new look – a new form even – one that I truly can’t even take credit for. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit breathed into my hands and led my creative mind to a new place. I often step back after completing a piece and ask myself, “who painted that?!”
The rest is pretty simple… I have continued to glorify God one brushstroke at a time. That is where my peace is - with a paintbrush in hand, some light worship music on in the background, and a simple surrender to Him with the entire piece before me.
I’m now married to my high school sweetheart, Andrew, and together we have three beautiful children, Eleanor, Teddy, and Ava. We live in Houma, Louisiana, and my husband is a Pain Physician in our hometown. While my time to “peacefully paint” is very limited, it is still where I find my greatest happiness. It’s a sweet, sweet journey, this little art career, and I cannot wait to see where Jesus takes it next.
I really hope you enjoy following along, shopping on my site, and listening to me ramble on about Jesus and life and working out on my instagram feeds.
:)
Love and prayers always!
