New Artist Spotlight | Natasha Cooke

Natasha’s oil paintings stem from her fascination with the landscape surrounding her home in Weald, Kent. There is a bond we form seemingly subconsciously through small moments that connect us to the land that surrounds us. Whether it be through memory, seasonal rituals, or other inhabitants, these connections are special and only possible through getting to know the language of the landscape, spending time with it. It is this deep connection and sensitivity towards Natasha’s home that she hopes to convey within her work, painting is not just the scenery, but the language of the landscape.

Working En Plein Air helps her understand this landscape. Held captive by it, forced to look, to feel, to listen, with every new experience documented in paint to further understand its character. Materially, her paintings are a representation of this learning; energetic, often rushed, mark-making, and bold statements of light and shadow. Any paintings completed in the studio are informed by paintings, sketches, and writings completed outside.

Natasha’s work, then, is an expressive, in-depth, sentimental ode to a small part of the landscape that exists around her, and to its language she continues to learn.

Exhibited at Mall Galleries - ROI Annual Exhibition: Art Academy London Award, Stanley Grimm Prize (2nd place). Rye Art Gallery 'Silver' award En Plein Air 2025.

There is one painting that references 'Catterline' in Scotland it was part of a journey that Natasha made in the footsteps of the woman painter that inspired her, the Scottish artist Joan Eardley (18 May 1921 -16 August 1963). Hence the message on the reverse of this painting is particularly poignant:

To Joan Eardley ...

You are looking towards the sea, but I turn to face you.

This is your Catterline, now I am here, and all I can see

is you, in the field behind the South Rows.

Natasha Cooke

Natasha, will be painting at Lossenham in March for Rye Art Gallery as part of the exhibition that explores art, music, history and film from the Lossenham Landscape opening in May at the gallery.