Natalie Martin: Watercolour Artist

Oct 5

“I holidayed on the Surf Coast as a kid, so it’s always held a special place in my heart. My studio is based out at Ashmore Arts, a private arts precinct at the back of Torquay.

It is an amazing community to be a part of, everyone is so supportive of one another. It is quite a unique working environment and something you’d only find on the Surf Coast.

It makes doing business around here a real pleasure. I also love knocking off early for a sneaky surf, when that opportunity is at your doorstep it’s hard to ignore!”

There’s a good chance you’re familiar with Natalie Martin’s colourful watercolours, but you probably didn’t know she also juggles work as a graphic designer, teacher, consultant, and an art director.

Originally trained as a graphic designer, Natalie moved to the Surf Coast for a job at Rip Curl nearly ten years ago, and began creating, exhibiting and selling art on the side. It eventually evolved into a full time gig and since Natalie couldn’t imagine working anywhere else, she simply stayed on the coast.

While being her own boss doesn’t come without its challenges, Natalie enjoys the varying aspects of running a small business. When she needs to take a break from work, she turns to activities like surfing, hiking, camping, and tinkering in her garden to help refuel her creative energy and restore balance.

What is it about the Surf Coast that inspires you?

“My most recent body of work ‘Eye Spy’ was entirely inspired by living on the Surf Coast. I created ‘Eye Spy’ all within the last couple of months and gathered the inspiration while driving to my studio and general errands around town.”

“I would spy certain native flowers coming into bloom and have to stop the car so I could take photos. I am obsessed with them, I think they are incredibly beautiful. Kind of my way of ‘stopping to smell the roses’. The Surf Coast’s natural environment has an endless supply of inspiration for me.”

What are the advantages of doing business on the Surf Coast?

“My studio is based out at Ashmore Arts, a private arts precinct at the back of Torquay. It is an amazing community to be a part of, everyone is so supportive of one another. I’ve got my own space where I work and teach out of, but I’m also surrounded by a multitude of other creative businesses so you never feel alone. There’s always someone up for a chinwag or a cup of tea, a helping hand or a collaborative project.

“It is quite a unique working environment and something you’d only find on the Surf Coast. It makes doing business around here a real pleasure. I also love knocking off early for a sneaky surf, when that opportunity is at your doorstep it’s hard to ignore!”

Tell me one thing that might surprise people about your business

“I think most people seem to be surprised by how many different aspects to my business there are.” Natalie says.

“Between the art and design, teaching, consulting and other side projects as well as forward planning there’s generally a lot on my plate. I think I might have some form of business A.D.D., I’m both impulsive and proactive, and boredom is the enemy!”

What is your most popular product?

“At the moment I think it would have to be my beginners online watercolour course ‘Welcome to Watercolour’. Learning something new makes staying at home that little bit more bearable, plus watercolour is wonderfully mindful - you can get lost watching the paint do its thing.”