A love affair with painting - Natasha Dadush
Natasha Dadush
Introducing Natasha Dadush
Russian painter Natasha Dadush is the newest artist to join Allura Art.
In this latest blog post we talk to Natasha about what motivates her to paint, the challenge of maintaining a practice, the importance of growth and her enduring love affair with art.
To view her portfolio of available artwork, visit Natasha’s profile on Allura Art.
Overcast Afternoon at Shipyard by Natasha Dadush
Natasha has lived in Malta for many years, making, teaching and exhibiting art.
In late 2021 she joined Allura Art and took part in two Allura events: The Trail in Valletta, and The Big Show, a collective exhibition featuring all Allura artists.
Natasha Dadush with Allura's Laura Swale at The Big Show at Wignacourt Museum
In conversation with Natasha
What do you aim to achieve when you paint?
“I am passionate about painting and for maximum impact I try to capture the essence of the subject in just a few brushstrokes. I try to give an impression, a glimpse and feeling of light and atmosphere.
Tugboat - painted on location in Malta using the ‘alla prima’ technique.
“I am fascinated by the power of art and how a painting can effect the way we see our surroundings. I translate my everyday experience and the emotional connection to those memories, and put it on my canvas.“
Marsamxett Sunset, featuring cruise boats in the Manoel Island shipyard., was painted en plein air.
What motivates you to paint?
“I paint for so many reasons, but mainly because it brings me peace. The process requires so much attention and this helps me to be purely in the moment and in the flow. Because it takes a lifetime to learn you always have something new to explore.”
Natasha Dadush with her artwork at the Allura Art collective - The Big Show
What is your proudest moment so far in your artistic journey and why?
“Being selected to participate in international shows and exhibiting alongside great artists from other countries. Learning from my teaching practice is also my biggest asset.”
Waiting for the Season by Natasha Dadush was painted en plein air at Manoel Island.
Three Boats is a colourful depiction of a typical boatyard scene in Malta, painted en plein air.
What has it taken to reach this stage in your artistic development?
“The most important practice in my development as an artist has been painting from life and on location. Through direct observation I can capture effects of light that are often lost in a photo. Although it’s challenging, it’s the best way to learn - nature is the best teacher. Since the very first time I held a brush in my hands, I never quit studying.”
Scirocco by Natasha Dadush hanging at The Big Show at Wignacourt Museum
Scirocco was painted on location during scirocco season, when strong winds blow across the Mediterranean Sea from the Sahara, buffeting Malta’s towns and beaches.
How has being a woman impacted you as an artist and the nature and development of your art?
“I have always practiced art, but when I became a mother, painting went to the bottom of the list for a few years. When I eventually came back to my art practice I created a studio space in my home to make painting more accessible and it started to feel like part of my life again.”
“In terms of subject matter, as a female artist I especially love to paint flowers.”
Wild Poppies by Natasha Dadush
Wild Poppies reflects the artist’s love of painting colourful wildflowers. It was painted in the studio and pays tribute to the beauty of Spring.
What are your creative aspirations going forward?
“I am very interested in abstraction in art and in bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary. It gives me freedom to express an intuitive sense of place. My next step is to focus on bigger formats and producing larger studio paintings from my outdoor sketches.”
Wildflowers by Natasha Dadush
“Going forward I would love to take part in more local exhibitions and build on my relationship with local art enthusiasts and collectors.”
Twilight Roses features a bouquet of pink and white roses in a glass jug, treated with loose, painterly brushstrokes, typical of the artist’s signature style.
For more about Natasha, visit her biography and portfolio page on Allura Art.
Old Key was painted following a trip to Provence, a region in southeastern France frequented by Van Gogh, Picasso and Cézanne and famous for its iconic fields of lavender.
Finally, in case you didn’t already know…
Natasha is just one of the artists whose original paintings are available through the Allura Art online gallery.
Artwork is available at studio prices and can be delivered or collected locally or shipped overseas.
For news and updates from Allura, follow the Allura Art blog, join the mailing list or follow the Allura Facebook page.
Spring Flowers by Natasha Dadush
About the Allura Art Collection
The Allura Art Collection is an evolving, curated collection of original paintings, by more than a dozen contemporary painters based in Malta and Gozo. The Allura Art website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors. Original paintings also make beautiful and unique gifts, and the search by price page makes it easy to browse according to your budget.
The Allura Art collection is regularly updated with new artwork and new artists. To receive updates by email, join our mailing list.
About the Allura Art advisory service
Allura Art also offers an advisory service, which serves commercial and residential property owners, as well as architects and designers, either seeking direction, or looking to commission a bespoke series or site-specific piece.
Whether residential or commercial, Allura can source, commission or design individual pieces or curate a selection tailored to an interior design scheme.
Allura also welcomes professional relationships with architects and designers as well as contact from other interested parties.
Allura Art deals only in genuine and authenticated originals which are sourced directly from reputable living painters. We offer original fine art at studio prices with secure online payment and safe shipping internationally or local delivery throughout Malta and Gozo. Visit the Allura Art website or find Allura on Facebook or Instagram at @allura_malta. Contact Allura at info@allura.mt or +356 99583389.
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