Stories From Behind The Art

Continuing education is essential—no matter what industry you’re in. Technology evolves. Client expectations change. Styles and standards advance. To remain relevant and deliver exceptional work, professionals must continually invest in learning and growth. The world of portrait art is no different.

In today’s world of quick snapshots and digital galleries, the idea of commissioning a portrait painting can feel almost unfamiliar. We click, share, and scroll—rarely imagining that a single image could become something more. And yet, there is a moment when the concept suddenly makes sense. It’s the moment you realize that a truly personalized portrait is not just a picture. It is a story. A legacy. A timeless treasure that grows more meaningful with every passing year

A short while ago, I had the opportunity to work on a painted Legacy Portrait for General Lee Butler, USAF Retired. Nowadays, he just likes to go by “Lee,” but to be honest, it’s quite challenging to not speak his name with a title. His many years of service within the US Air Force as well as those working as an international consultant during the Nuclear Disarmament era (see “Architects of Peace: Visions of Hope in Words and Images” by Michael Collopy) invoke my respect.

Today we have more access to decorative artwork than ever before. Stores are filled with beautifully framed prints in every color palette and size imaginable. It seems like finding the perfect piece should be easy. And yet, somehow…it isn’t.

There was a time when every visit to a portrait studio ended the same way—with printed photographs in hand. Then came the digital age. Suddenly, photos lived on phones, memory cards, and forgotten thumb drives. Instead of investing in finished artwork, many people settled for quick snapshots taken by a friend—or by mom or dad—uploaded to social media and then left to disappear into the digital abyss.

Custom portraiture is both an investment and a luxury. Every client approaches it from a different financial perspective. Some plan and save. Others are willing to splurge for something extraordinary. Many fall somewhere in between, waiting to see their images before deciding how much they want to invest. Start by getting clear on your goals. Understanding what you truly need—as well as what you simply want—will help you determine a realistic budget before you ever meet wi

Each stop along the way became more than a destination—it was a thread woven into the fabric of autumn. And these threads, gathered from orchards, inns, backroads, and museum halls, continue to inspire the art that emerges once I’m home again, brush in hand.

There’s Gen X, Gen Z, Millennials, of course, we Baby Boomers…Regardless of generational labels, many of us eventually find ourselves in the midst of what's often termed the Sandwich Generation. This is that distinct period where our attention and energy are often divided between supporting our adult children, perhaps grandchildren, and also providing care and assistance to our aging parents. It often involves a fair amount of spontaneous travel and problem-solving on behalf

When I travel, I carry two faithful companions: my husband, Markus, and my camera. For us, adventure has never been a sudden whirlwind—it has unfolded over decades, patiently waiting for its moment. This is the heart of Natura Art: journeys made permanent, memories translated into paintings, adventures yield the art I share with you.