Inspiration

My earliest memory of wanting to become an artist came when posing for the Pulitzer Prize winning artist, Aileen Ortlip Shea. At age four, I sat while the artist painted my life-size portrait. Aileen was a sweet and lovely Christian woman who, although well known, lived in a humble college town with her husband, who was a pastor. Although I was very young, I was so impressed by her, and all I wanted to do was sit still so I could listen, watch, and smell the paint. Aileen balanced her talent with Christian humility. She was able to be a wife and mother and also produce great works of art.

Education

By the time I reached ninth grade, portraiture became my passion. I spent the years filling up sketchbooks with portraits. My parents provided the opportunity for me to attend college and encouraged me to study art. God provided me with a small scholarship into the art program with a review of my portfolio.

While studying art history, I learned how much an artist’s worldview affected the art they produced, something that was true of every era. Some art was so depressing and dark or even random. Most art was human focused, seeking to give glory to artists rather than glory to God, which wasn’t what I wanted. I focused on painting realistic subjects that celebrated life.

God’s Calling and My Focus Change

I met my husband, Jason, at Indiana Wesleyan University, and we were married the summer before my senior year. As I worked toward my senior exhibit, I was expecting our first child. My college focus, which had begun with the goal of making a living in a competitive secular world selling art, had now turned. God put a desire in our hearts to be godly parents and eventually homeschool our children. Art would have to wait in the wings as a hobby, and that was okay for me. The first meaningful painting I produced after college was a painting of our first son, Matthew. I was no longer worried about coming up with cutting-edge art for people to buy; rather, I was painting what I loved.

As a stay-at-home artist, I soon found there was a market for people wanting paintings or drawings of their loved ones, pets, and landscapes, and these could provide a small side job for me. God began opening up more opportunities for me to paint and draw commissions. Work came through word of mouth and through posts on my Facebook page. People would send photographs through the mail or by email requesting paintings or drawings. It was a delight for me to be able to help with some side work from home while educating and spending time with our children. It delighted me to continue to paint, which I loved, and at the same time bless others with a realistic, God-centered piece of art that celebrated life, which they could hang in their home.

When I receive commissions for a bereavement portrait, I use the opportunity to pray for the family and tell them of my prayers in a note, which I ship with the final product. In those hard times of loss, to quietly and respectfully capture the memories for a family member is an honor and opportunity for me to serve in a unique way. Sharing God’s love to and for them in that time—an opportunity I would not have if it was not for art—is so much more important than the work.

Military Artwork

My father and husband both served in the United States Army, and our oldest son is currently serving. Going through the grief and worry that comes along with deployments and long separations has led me to give military discounts for artwork, as a way to give back. I understand very personally the sacrifice, heartache, and stress that families experience when loved ones are separated. I am thankful to be able to give something in order to bless fellow service members.

Art Lessons

When I had the time, outside of teaching my own kids about art, I also began teaching private art lessons from home. This gave me just enough balance to work a few hours but not take away too much from home life. I really enjoyed the process of teaching kids to draw, make things look real, mix paint, and then put those skills to work by reproducing famous art or drawing and painting from a still-life. I then watch their confidence and excitement grow as they realize they can do it! It continues to be a rewarding gift to get to teach young people to draw and paint and use the gifts God gave them. It is a blessing for me to be part of that process.

Art Studio

I began producing prints and cards of my work as a side job when commissions weren’t coming in. Printing can be expensive due to the professional scanning and printing process. So, I researched the process myself. I received some instruction from photographers in the church who showed me the basics of using a camera and sending images to a print shop, which saved the cost of professional scanning while learning a new skill. The print shop could take the photo of my painting and turn it into different-sized prints and cards.

It was a fun and interesting new avenue of my studio, which helped further my small business. The studio was born in a small room of our house. I could now paint something and turn it into cards and gifts and continue to paint commissions when they would come.

And this is yet another process I have been able to share with my students, beginners, and my own children who desire to work as artists. I am thankful the Lord has given me this ability and blessed me with the opportunity to use it to work from home, where I enjoy being first a wife and mother.

I still don’t have a website or a store but simply advertise on Instagram and Facebook under Natalie Thoman Art Studio. You can contact me on those platforms or by email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).