Natasha’s Art Candy

(above) 2005. Working on paintings at 2 am.

What is my story behind the curly cued willows that grace hundreds of homes worldwide and garnered such acclaim?

And so it goes . . .

It was in the beginning of 2005. I was overworking myself, burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. I found myself constantly nodding off at the dinner table or theaters, and had a scary visit to the ER. My art was successful after only a year of it’s beginning, and I had been working 18-20 hour days to keep up with demand.

One particular evening, I began to start obnoxiously doodling on the canvas.

The exhaustion was catching up to me, and I stood there, stressed. Disconnected. I had no idea what to create. And I didn’t honestly want to. I was creating what people wanted. I loved to paint. And normally the ideas just come to me instantly. Miraculous unorchestrated creations being made each time.

This time, however . . .nothing.

I wanted to quit so badly and never paint again, or at least go on a sabbatical for a couple of years. I even attempted to do so around that time.

Right then, looking down at my comfortable abstract, I began to make a mess of it.

- First a few circles here and there.

- Then, swirling lines extending from the bottom of the canvas to the top.

- Repeat of more circles floating from the “branches”.

At first, it looked like a alien vegetable was taking dominion over my poor sweet, innocent painting. What is this hideous beast creature-plant thing doing on my elegant work of art?! Somebody get a broom! It was a total takeover, and an eyesore at that.

(above)2004 Natasha Wescoat abstract featuring early development of the trees.

Normally, circles and geometric work were a natural stable in my designs. I started painting more recognizable work. Paintings that would be classified as representative work.

But this time, warfare between an alien plant and my circular heaven. No, in two hours, there was this spackled mess. I came to the conclusion I had made a tree. It reminded me much of Klimt’s work and I felt honored by that. Perhaps an unconcious tribute to him, I thought. But, I felt like the circles didn’t make ANY sense being on a tree.

There is no reminiscence whatsoever..of leaves! I hated the swirly mess. I jokingly said, “I am going to burn this crap”, “Who would want this?”

Ironically, to my suprise, ALOT of people.

I listed the piece on ebay along with my usual work, and the trees were being snatched up instead. Recieving unanimous emails of exciting feedback regarding the trees, I realized that there was something here. I would talk about the series with others, and they’d reassure me, “Most of the work we artists create, people absolutely adore. And it’s more than likely the art we hate the most. The work we feel is our worst. Every. Single. Time.” Their statement held true. Again and again. The trees began to grow on me, (no pun intended) and I really enjoyed creating them. It was fun to evolve and improve my designs until there were several different kinds of trees.

#1 Best Selling Print - "With The Waves" by Natasha Wescoat

Because of this harrowing time, this one particular evening, I have developed the Jeweled Tree series that has won awards, and gained attention around the world. That’s surreal and humbling. Out of the hardest, the darkest times of my life, something so bright and whimsical and happy has been created. Like a pheonix out of the ashes. I’m glad I was able to create something that makes so many happy!

That is my origin story of the Jeweled Trees series.