Author Archives: Natalie Buske Thomas

Painting on Black

Painting on black canvas is a fun exercise that pushes an artist to try new styles and techniques. The coating on a black canvas is often different, and possibly powdery. The stark contrast between the black background and wet oil paint can make the colors seem luminescent, which may be the desired effect for certain projects. I was happy with how this gorgeous bird turned out on black canvas. He’s called a “Painted Bunting“, and appeared one day out of the blue on our patio. Of course I had to paint him! A glowing vibrant painting effect was perfect to show off his vivid colors.

Painting on black canvas can be a surprising choice for some projects, making old standards fresh and contemporary. “Peaches in a Bowl” has an old school traditional fine arts look to it, with a twist. The glowing colors look almost chalk-like, yet this art was painted with oils. Changing our medium can lead to unexpected outcomes and (perhaps unintentional) renaissance.

This last example, “Miki’s Dragon”, illustrates when the medium is a perfect match for the subject. The project goal was to create a vivid red dragon that personifies the friend I was painting this for. A pediatric ER doctor, she collects dragons and was over the moon to see herself “as a dragon”. The dragon has her purple hair, is holding her initial M, and its tail is the medical symbol, the Caduceus. But, one of the most important elements is what was made possible by painting on black canvas- the fierce quality of the vibrant red, as it honors her strong spirit and captures her bold personality. I painted this art as a thank you gift, and when she looks at it, she is reminded of who she is. 

Experimenting with different mediums can lead to trying new styles and possibly even stumbling upon new methods, ideas, and techniques that will enrich our artistic journey forever. One creative venture leads to another. Do you remember “Eye of the Storm” from my previous blog about Painting Storms? That art was also painted on black canvas and I love the way our planet looks surreal through “glowing” colors. By the way, writing this blog has given me an idea for a future painting on black. This is how it is, when we expand our minds by trying something new… our imaginations are charged up and unstoppable!

Painting Miracles

“Miracle Dancer” is an oil painting that tells the story of when I was 15 and recovering from a white water rafting accident. About two hours after I was out of the water I had an odd type of seizure. I didn’t lose consciousness and the convulsions were only from the waist down (just my legs). But the effect of this left me so weak that it was difficult not only to walk, but I had slurred speech and my arms were weak as well. The seizures got worse, daily, and lasted longer. I was hospitalized for weeks, then released with no improvement. Months later (I was then 16) I overheard a doctor say, “One day she won’t get out of that (wheel)chair again.” I refused to believe that. Long story, but I worked hard and danced in my next recital- and earned a trophy too! Life’s stories of hardship and triumph are told through the language of art when words alone can’t express what we feel.

Color expresses the duality of hardship and miracles, as the contrast between somber darks and ghostly lights tells the story. Blue is a color of the natural world, but looks haunting in this painting- as if an unhappy outcome exists in an alternate reality. The dancer’s pink shoes ring out as cheerful in this otherwise gloomy scene. The dancer is moving toward the light, which could mean many things. Some may see her as leaving the pain of this world (eternally), but my intention was to show a return to living an active full life (as if escaping a deadened spirit in which I never dance again). The swirling motion of the paint strokes create action, representing both the movement of the dancer and the change in life circumstance.

“Miracle of Life“, has a similar brush stroke pattern of swirling shapes (like “Miracle Dancer” above), as if a mighty wind or supernatural force is interacting with the elements of the painting. But here, there is the addition of earth tones (green, brown, flesh) and very few darks. The duality isn’t between pain and joy, but between the organic, spiritual aspect, and the scientific, logical. Painting rounded shapes and subtle shades represents the spiritual and organic, while rigid lines and stark contrast depicts the scientific and logical.

In this last example, the concepts of “Miracle”, duality, spiritually, life, and death are depicted by heavenly yellows, golden tones, and warmer shades. “The Miracle Dulcimer” exists only as a book for now, but I plan to one day develop this as a painting, probably with the full instrument and a more involved landscape. The current landscape shown on the book cover is cropped from a photograph I took on the hobby farm where I once lived. This sky is what I saw when Mom was still alive, and when my husband made this gorgeous musical instrument for her. That story is one that I’d like to tell in paint one day, but probably not for a couple of years. I’ve painted a lot of that type of work (relating to grief and hardship). I’m now in a resting space of letting go, moving on, and settling in to my new life. When I’m ready to revisit those memories, I’ll create the painting that is in me; it’s just waiting for the right time.

Painting Storms

“Eye of the Storm” was inspired by maps that track hurricanes. The dangerous swirls were created with thick layers and vivid white paint (White Titanium). Frantic paint strokes and stark contrasting colors create tension. The danger and excitement of a storm is expressed with confident lines, bold colors, and heavy texture.

Oil Painting “Eye of the Storm” by artist Natalie Buske Thomas

This next oil painting, “Statue of Liberty Struck by Lightning“, was inspired by news photographs of this real occurrence in New York City in 2020. Slightly skewed and unnaturally fluorescent, the effect is somewhat surreal, which lends itself well to the awe and wonder of lightning strikes during a storm– especially when the target of the strike is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world!

Storms can be depicted through stark contrasts, heavy texture, confident paint strokes, and skewed surreal perspective. This final example shows a different approach. “Waves of the Sea” is about the anticipation of a storm. The waves are painted in an unnaturally ordered way. The sky looks like it’s getting dark. There’s a feeling of the wind picking up, even though there’s nothing in the painting that’s blowing. The lighthouse stands ready to lead sailors home.

Oil Painting “Waves of the Sea” by artist Natalie Buske Thomas

Painting Seascapes

Seascapes are all about light and dark. Shadows, highlights, reflections, and gradients of color are what brings salt air to our faces. In “Lighthouse near Tybee Island“, the mood is set by the melancholic colors of the sea and sky. While overcast and gloomy, nightfall has not fallen, nor have storms blackened the sky. The lighthouse’s light is not on. The reflection of light in the water is representational, much like a lighthouse is a symbol of hope.

Short, choppy lines create a more realistic effect for both the waves of the sea and for the weathered look of structures, such as in “Lighthouse near Tybee Island” above. Changing the mood from wistful melancholy to bright optimism can be done through a change of color scheme and style. In “Steamship Savannah“, the looping continuous lines of the waves are more representational than authentic, and the tones are bright- as if lit by full sunlight on a glorious day. What a difference these changes can make! In the first painting, we feel the life of the sea hardy and the lost. In the steamship painting, we feel the excitement of discovery and pioneering adventure.

In this last example, we turn our attention to the coastline and happy sunny days at the beach. The tones here aren’t stark and vivid like the steamship painting, or murky and gloomy like the lighthouse painting. The mood is set through a soft gradient of pleasant neutrals contrasted by a bright red swimsuit that is repeated in the reflection on the sand. The result is a peaceful, joyful seascape. “My Kids at the Beach” is an oil painting that people tell me makes them want to go to the beach. A change in brush style from choppy or loopy to smooth and shapely, and a change in color scheme can dramatically and radically alter the mood of a seascape.

You can probably see the hopefulness, adventure, peace, and joy leaping off the canvas when I paint a seascape. Some art projects flow easier than others. When we paint what we love, it naturally shines through.

Painting Fire

Fire is a natural element that pushes an artist to take on the qualities of the element: powerful unrestrained organic force. When painting fire, oils and colors take on a life of their own, as it is effective to paint quickly and without overthinking the thickness, direction, or shape of the wild paint streaks and dabs flying from the brush. When painting as if directed by the energy of flames, the illusion of fire naturally appears. The degree of realism varies, but fire is understood from the gradients of reds, yellows and blacks. Often, subtle and blended shapes create a more natural looking fire, such as in “Forest Fire“, a tribute to fire fighters.

Fire can also be depicted in a more symbolic way, such as in “Eagle takes down Owl“. Through exaggerated shapes and stark colors, rather than subtle tones and blending, the flames look almost as if cut from paper and pasted in. When producing a metaphorical or storytelling representation of fire, heavy lines and sharp angles bring drama to the piece. Action is loud, and when the colors and style are bold, action is conveyed. Also, bending the fire like waves mimics a second natural element of water. Combining the two elements creates an outer-worldly fantasy image.

Fire is recognized by the color scheme and energy that comes from gradients competing for space on the canvas. Colors jumping in and out of a block of dark reds and oranges create an illusion of fire. Whether the flames jump in wild, active, sharp lines and shapes, or if the darting of color is subtle, blended, and smooth, the energy of fire is what brings emotion to the piece. In this last example, “Guardian Angel“, fire may even convey profound sadness.

Fire may be depicted as a quiet (and strangely beautiful) danger like in “Forest Fire”, as frenzied action like in “Eagle takes down Owl”, or as a moving story like in “Guardian Angel”. The direction the fire takes is up to the artist, and how a person feels while viewing the art is up to that individual. Painting fire is an emotional artistic challenge, and viewing fire in art is an emotional human experience.

Painting Reptiles and Amphibians

When the subject matter is naturally fun, that makes painting fun too. Animals are a good choice to brighten a routine. Reptiles and amphibians offer light exercise for blocking shapes and layering through gradients of mostly one color. Watch me paint this tree frog in the >2 minute time-lapse video below. Don’t forget to turn the sound on for vibe.

I painted these critters for an oil painting book about Savannah, Georgia. Tree frogs sometimes hang out on my glass patio door, just one little guy at a time. Lizards are more common, and I’ve grown to miss them when they disappear for the winter. Painting lizards and frogs is good practice for creating simple shapes that are easy to identify as-is, but shadows and highlights make all the difference.

When gators squat in the neighborhood lagoon, they aren’t welcomed visitors like the cute tree frogs and friendly lizards. I’m not fond of snake visitations either. But, at least they give me painting inspiration. Pairing the two together is an opportunity to use contrasting shapes to tell a story. Jagged lines and rough textures, alongside curves and smooth applications, create a dynamic contrast.

These were quick projects on small canvases, but these concepts are worthy of more serious attention if an artist enjoys this type of work. Whether the subject of light exercise and a fast finish, or a true masterpiece, painting amphibians and reptiles is a high-energy adventure. Nature provides us with vivid colors contrasted by subtle gradients and humble tones. This balance is thrown when the energy of a vibrant, and perhaps dangerous, animal breaks through the scene. When artists depart from their typical routine to paint such dynamic critters, it’s a refreshing jolt.

Painting Music

The connection between art and music is very strong. Sometimes when I hear music, I imagine what I’d paint to express the song. An idea flickered through my mind that I could collaborate with indie musicians and songwriters to create something truly original… never before seen!

My painting experiment pushed me to new heights and helped me grow as an artist. This first piece was inspired by the original composition of a talented pianist. When I heard it, I asked him if I could use his music as inspiration for my next painting.  I painted what I see in my head when I hear his beautiful music. “Dancer in a Floral Forest” is the result (the composer is credited in the video).

This next piece was selected for its lyrics. Words are a powerful inspiration for art. When I heard these lyrics for “Be Strong”, I knew it was an excellent choice for my painting project “Eagle and Dove”, also known as “Peace through Strength”. Credits to the singer/songwriter appear at the end of the video.

In this last example, I wanted to be brave with creativity. I composed my first ever original piano piece, which is simple, slow, and expressive. I created this music for my oil painting “Serenity Piano”. 

I now create shows that incorporate my singing, music, and dancing into live painting. Some of the show format is “variety show” style, in which these acts are performed separately, but sometimes I combine them… like singing while I paint live. I want to continue to push the boundaries and try new ways to express what’s in my heart, whether it’s profound, silly, bittersweet, or joyful. Our human experience shines brighter when shared through music and art.

Painting Imaginary Places

The reaction to my art is very individual, as is art in general. What is “meh” to one person, may be emotionally powerful to another. I sometimes paint from real life scenes, photographs, or memories, but other times I invent the entire concept from start to finish- just letting my imagination flow. It’s fascinating when people connect deeply to a place that only existed in my mind, but once painted, now exists in the natural world as if it were a real place. The place is real to the person who connects with it.

Someone told me (after seeing my “Mountain Landscape” video, below), “I want to go there!” The trouble is, this place doesn’t exist other than in this painting. I didn’t even look at anything to paint it. I just put music on and let the scene take on a life of its own. 

The water is a moving, active element. I let the flow of the water direct the painting. In this way, the scene fell into an organic sense of order, as the scene mimicked the natural world. Water often shapes our landscape.

In the first painting I shared, “Dove in a Forest”, the scene looks less natural because it is rigid and orderly. The trees are like columns. But this style appeals to many, and that piece is a favorite of one of my dear friends. I tried to learn what people like about it, but they find it hard to describe.

Maybe it has something to do with the contrast between the still and wooden quality of the unnaturally orderly forest and the beauty of the living dove, who is in flight? The greens, odd blues, and browns of the forest are in stark contrast to the bright white dove, who seems to glow. Contrasting elements that share the same space can be felt as “balance”. Balance and harmony are peaceful.

Let’s talk now about the third painting I shared, “Rose in a Moonlit Forest”. This one is more about an imagined emotional and mental space, than about a fantasy imaginary place. First, I’ll share the video.

You may have noticed that this piece originally had a different title- “Blooming Through”. This art was painted for a charity auction to benefit families with children who have autism.

(autistic mind is) like a solitary rose growing against all odds inside a stone wall, surrounded by an environment that is quiet, dark, and yet when the moon shines- a brief, perhaps rare, light- is mysteriously beautiful.

Natalie Buske Thomas, “50 Oil Paintings Inspired by Nature”

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Some may claim that I have glorified or downplayed autism, but this painting was meant to express the profound love that families have for their children who have autism. Art is a language. Sometimes we understand each other perfectly, and other times we don’t. A grandmother of an autistic child was greatly moved by this painting. She understood what I was trying to say, and felt the empathy.

The rose represents a child, alone in a tranquil woods, yet also trapped there- in a stoned wall, where it’s difficult to grow, or connect. Yet, there is always hope, and moments of blooming through, when the moonlight shines upon this precious loved one. And that is beautiful.

Technique note: This was my first experience using a pre-painted black canvas. I was pleased with the illusion it gave my paints- that the colors were glowing, or metallic- especially when the oils were wet. This worked out well for the video, and for the emotions I was expressing in this piece.

Painting Experiment

This was a fun painting experiment to see how feasible it would be to create a very basic, crude “stop motion” style animation by painting a series of similar living objects and then putting the video together as one. To make this video truly incredible, I would have had to paint probably 100 different versions of each painting, to show all of the steps in each transition. Obviously I wasn’t committed to doing that!

But, this quick method of painting an illusion of a flower coming to life was emotionally satisfying, especially when set to music. The motion of watching the paintbrush move creates a life of its own, so this is really a whole new type of animation. I’m happy with the effect and, now that I see how well it works, I’d like to try it again in the future with something more complicated and detailed.

I love inventing new methods for how I do things, and experimenting with ideas. To save time and cost, I painted on tiny square canvases for this project, which made the effort a bit tedious. I used fine detail brushes and felt very constrained. I had a headache when done, as I couldn’t freely paint in my usual style and had to stay so tightly on task. But, it was the right decision because I wanted to fit this little game in between other projects I’m doing. As a working artist, sometimes I have to modify how I create art, so that I can stay on schedule. It’s a worthy sacrifice because it pushes me to produce more work and become who I want to be.

I call this series “Crocus in Snow“.  When the first flowers pop up through the ground- even through snow- our hearts leap with hope that spring is coming soon. Some winters are darker and longer than others. A simple flower means so much.

“Wild Horses”

Clip from “Wild Horses” Session 3 video – see all the “Wild Horses” painting videos on the Painting Shows page.

“Wild Horses” is the last scheduled oil painting for 2020. It is also the final class in Natalie’s 12-lesson free art course. The free online classes will now remain on this site, available online 24/7. It’s never too late to start with Lesson One and join the fun!

“It has been an amazing year. Thank you for your interest in my art. Your support keeps me going. I look forward to seeing what 2021 holds, and all of the new paintings I’ll share with you. I hope to do another round of 50, so it will be another amazing journey!”

Natalie Buske Thomas
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