Natalie Toms

"At the bottom of my garden in the Cornish countryside, gently nestled into the wild hedgerow of alder, blackthorn, brambles, and birdsong lies my small artist studio called Thickets. I look up from my drawing board and over to the neighbouring meadow where wild rabbits run through the long, wind-teased grass, a silent buzzard circles overhead, and the occasional glimpse of a fleeting deer or fox at dusk never fails to fill my heart with wonder. I have an affinity for the relationships between flora and fauna, and our beautiful changing seasons."

I'm a Cornish wildlife artist living and working in the village of Lanlivery in rural Cornwall. Inspired by the countryside, moorland and coast, I have been influenced by the natural world for as long as I can remember. I spent the summers of my childhood marvelling at the worlds within the countryside that surrounded my grandparents' house; the same ever evolving woods, fields, hedgerows and little rivers still inspire me today.

I create detailed original wildlife art using watercolour paint and archival ink, and I have been developing my creative process and techniques for several years. I surround myself with the references I need in the form of photographs, nature books, and observing wildlife in its natural habitat. Each time I begin a new piece, I seek to learn about my subject, its history, characteristics, and folklore. The more I learn about each species, the greater my love and admiration grows. I sketch a detailed composition in pencil before I slowly add layers of drawing with ink and painting with watercolour. It's a delicate and meticulous process that takes many hours.

Alongside my creative drive, I have several medical conditions keeping pace with me. I was born with an autoimmune condition called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that affected my liver as an adolescent, and a heart murmur which was also picked up at age 7. Following emergency abdominal surgery, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in my late 20s and managing this condition encouraged me to take a step into uncharted territory and become self-employed full-time. Not long after losing my mum in 2019, I was diagnosed with heart failure the following year and I had a severe TIA (mini-stroke) in 2022. These events have only hardened my resolve to combine my passion for drawing and painting, and my love for nature and conservation. From my garden studio I look out onto the very same landscape that filled my heart with so much joy as a child and kindled my love for wildlife. It's not always straightforward but turning my passion into my profession has allowed me the flexibility I need to make the most of the good days, and to take back a measure of control over the bad ones. I certainly wouldn't be where I am today without my vocation, and the invaluable support and encouragement from others.

I'm often found painting in my garden studio, delivering work to several stockists, exhibiting and trading at various shows and markets in Cornwall and further afield. In 2025 I will be holding my first solo exhibition (venue to be revealed soon).

I sell my work as archival giclee prints and cards both online and in local shops and galleries in Cornwall and a few further afield. I use only recyclable and biodegradable materials for posting, even down to my packing tape. All of my cards are sent in glassine paper sleeves that are 100% recyclable and plastic-free. My giclee prints are signed by hand and sent gallery wrapped in compostable wrap to preserve their longevity. I've recently started producing solid oak picture frames for my prints, with hopes to expand my range.
 
I am a proud supporter of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and I also release rescued hedgehogs into my wild garden from the wonderful Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue in Cubert.