ALTHOUGH lockdown halted most of our lives, and exercise was one of the only reasons we were allowed out, one Whitehaven woman spotted an opportunity.
Natalie Burns used her daily exercise to get out and about around Whitehaven, she walked passed a row of houses on Foxhouses Road and had her eureka moment. She knew painting the houses would create a beautiful collection, and that it did.
She put the paintings online and it had sold within 30 minutes, and that set her on her path.
Once lockdown was over, Natalie was able to expand her painting horizons again and was invited to Lowes Court Gallery where the director noted her paintings of Whitehaven and asked her to do some paintings around Beckermet.
Natalie drove to Beckermet and wandered the area where buildings caught her eye. Whilst she was painting, a lady asked what Natalie was doing and she asked to be shown it. The lady bought the original painting and a neighbour bought a print.
Natalie has visited the village more, and has attended the coffee and chat mornings which has lead to be making many friends in the village all through her paintings.
Natalie has now painted most of the main street in Ravenglass, terraces in Gosfroth and has painted places such as Allonby.
Natalie said:
"If I see a building I like and fancy the challenge, I will do it. If it sells or not it is ok. I have had lovely stories from a few people when painting and they have invited me in and showed me things such as the old beams in their homes."
"If I am in the street, people say they know who I am. Recently, someone shouted 'is that your next painting', so I am getting recognised for my work."
The paintings have been so successful that Natalie now realises she has taken on a role in promoting the town now. The Heritage Action Group asked her to join, and the boards near Roper Street in Whitehaven now has 6 of Natalie's paintings on.
The paintings have received international recognition with orders from all around the country, such as from Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Norway and America.
Natalie spoke about the effect her paintings have had, saying:
"A lot of people have said that they are going to start looking up more at the buildings and it has made them become more interested. However, the town still needs money to renovate the houses."
"We need people to care more and if I can make people think more about the town, it could help and I am happy to do that role."
Natalie uses water colours and Derwent Ink Tense paint pans for her paintings which are made by the old Pencil Factory, she also uses colours from Florence Mine.
Natalie realised many people take houses, but not many paint the whole street which is why she created her 'Street Scapes'. She mounts- them with a double mount so people can frame them however they want.
Natalie said: "I want to create that common look so you can recognise the painting as mine by my signature and special mount."
Read more: Alston community rally for Remembrance Day poppy display
Read more: Two day exhibition for the Irton Group Art Show in Santon Bridge
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here