Bio:
Natalie Colleen Gates in an artist and oil painter who lives in Richmond, VA. Since 2016, her work has focused on painting the scenery and architecture of Richmond. Natalie earned a BFA Cum Laude from VCU Painting and Printmaking, and studied at the Corcoran College of Art and Design. She participates in juried art shows at Artworks Richmond, and Crossroads Art Center. She has shown work at Robert Rentz Gallery.
When she is not painting, Natalie, enjoys walking in the Fan and Museum District, spending time at the river, camping, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and sharing meals with friends.
Please visit my gallery pages to see more of my work.
Artist Statement:
My paintings depict buildings, landscapes and nature in an urban setting. The repeating patterns in architecture and other manmade objects; like cars and power-lines, is a visual language that I return to often. I use this language to depict urban settings that are often absent of people or juxtaposed with nature. The similarities between city and landscape interests me.
I have always been drawn to objective skill in painting. I particularly admire the work of American artists John Singer Sargent and Robert Henry. Like the Ashcan school I am interested in depicting everyday subject matter more than romantic idealized subjects. However, I tend more often to loose expressive brushstrokes, and I look at my subject matter as a mere framework on which to paint. I like to think of skill in painting as a tool that aids in expressing emotions.
I base most of my paintings on photographs, but the subject matter of my paintings is not nearly as important to me as the paint itself. Therefore, I don’t usually devote much time to working and reworking my composition. Rather, I prefer quick snapshots taken with my iPhone the moment I am inspired more than careful planning. The was I apply paint is more important to me than what it represents. I choose my subject matter because of the different and interesting paint marks it inspires.
Education:
- BFA Cum Laude, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 2005
- Studied at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, Washington, DC, 2002
Commissions:
I am available for commissions of all sizes and a variety of subjects (50% of cost required up front). Please contact me for more information.