Natalie Toplass/ Floral

Natalie established her professional painting career upon relocating to Shropshire in 2003, following comprehensive studies in Fine Art and postgraduate work in Stage and Set Design. Originally from Cheshire, she cultivated a passion for drawing from an early age. The floral shop opened by her parents provided further artistic inspiration; unsold flowers brought home became her frequent subjects, often rendered life-sized with colored pencils, a formative stage in her development as an artist.

Transitioning from childhood sketches, Natalie began producing large-scale oil paintings featuring lush, magnified flowers. She attributes the impressive scale of her current works to her global experience as a scenic artist. Her most recent pieces incorporate narrative elements inspired by encounters with derelict country houses during walks with her dog and the unique objects she discovers along the way. These motifs contribute to the visual storytelling present in her art. Natalie aims to convey the emotions and sense of wonder that nature evokes, asserting that even the simplest natural elements can elicit profound responses. By amplifying the scale of her subjects, she seeks to encourage viewers to engage with the underlying beauty and playfulness of her themes, inviting immersion beyond the immediate visual impression.