Natasha Barnes was born July 7, 1969, in Payrs, South Africa. She has been painting since the age of seven. Her natural talent and pure passion for painting has led this self-taught artist to develop a profound style, exhibiting expressionism, color, and movement. Her paintings are inspirations found in her travels and the love for the rich landscapes surrounding her life.

Apart from a few lessons as a child, Natasha has had no formal training. After completing school, she studied Cordon Bleu cookery and worked as a culinary editor and food stylist for a leading South African Magazine, before opening her own cooking school. Equally talented as a chef, she is a master at designing wedding cakes, sugar craft, and floral arrangements. During her cookery years, Natasha painted part-time, and exhibited extensively in South Africa. Her love for the brush finally led to the decision to give up everything and paint full time.

Natasha paints in water based mediums. She enjoys pure watercolors and acrylics, often mixing the two. The paint application is thick and sometimes textured, often glazed with a wax to provide a sheen. Her subject matters dictate the flow of the paint. Her love for sumi-e brushwork can sometimes be seen in her watercolors. Natasha paints as she feels and will often change her medium for months at a time, often sticking to one subject matter. Her love for cats, the African landscape, and flowers provide endless inspiration. They are absorbed in the mind and transferred to the canvas without looking at the subject.

Her work can be found in corporate and private collections throughout the world and has been exhibited extensively in the UK, America, and the Middle East. Exploring new ideas and experimenting with creative thought ensures that Natasha's paintings grow with her passion to enjoy a long and fruitful career. Natasha's work is currently published worldwide in open and limited editions by the international print publishers, Verkerke, Bentley House and Artsmile.

"Art is what I do. Every Painting is a mood, a reflection of what is happening in my mind. Some days are quiet - some days are abstract. But every day is a painting, a whole new way of looking at my world. Inspirations are found in my travels. I absorb the moments and transfer the feelings to my canvas, bright and bold. Every stroke molds my signature, in so doing, creating another piece of Natasha Barnes. This is my Art."

Exhibitions:
Natasha started exhibiting as a professional artist in March 1999.

Birmingham Spring Fair - 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Birmingham Autumn Fair - 1999, 2000, 2001
International Art Expo New York - 2000, 2001, 2002
Atlanta Decor Show - 2000
Dubai Spring Fair - 2001
Abu Dubai Autumn Fair - 1999
London 6th Sense Show - 2001

Private Exhibitions:
Apples and Pears Gallery - Preston, UK - 2000
Will's Art Warehouse Exhibition - April 2001, 2002
Chelsea Art Show - 2002
Rubens Gallery Leeds - 2002
Art in the Park - South Africa - May 1995, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2001, 2002

Demonstrated and Exhibited at:
Pictures Plus, Outriggers Hotels on Maui, Hawaii - July, 2002
Participated in numerous group exhibitions around South Africa from 1992 to 1998