Our July Veteran Artist Spotlight shines on Natasha Lewis, who will be facilitating a Paint Night for CBAW on Wednesday, July 6th at 7 pm ET!
About Natasha:
“I am 17-year Veteran Combat medic in the Army Reserve. I have been on five tours and have had the fortune to live in, travel, and enjoy the cultures of over 17 countries during my life. My adventures and experiences have instilled in me the importance & benefits of self-expression, towards one’s mental health and overall well-being. This naturally cultivated a deep appreciation for music and art.
Oddly enough I have always been on the periphery of very talented artists, but I only started to regularly indulge in creating art for myself in 2018 when I was assigned to Fort Belvoir SRU to have surgery. I was looking for different outlets to keep myself productive and engaged while recovering. At the gentle suggestion of a Staff member, (Ashy Palliparambil) I began to attend the USO’s open art program.
I went from attending open art and occasionally helping out with classes, to hosting these sessions for other wounded warriors at FT. Belvoir and Walter Reed. The skills that I learned during this transition in my life have also proved beneficial in my military career. I was able to host a few art sessions for my unit during a recent tour overseas in an effort to stave off cabin fever while under COVID lockdown for months; and as a fun activity to de-stress after a few crazy high tempo work days in the hospital.
There is something unifying and therapeutic in just being a part of a community where you are free to just create as you please.”
“While I enjoy almost all forms of art, painting is my medium of choice. I feel it helps me to center, while reminding me to be patient and see the good/beauty in my efforts, especially when things don’t happen exactly as planned. I am currently into fantasy scenery, because why limit yourself to this reality? Whenever possible I like starting with someone’s abandoned artwork, something that was started, and discarded, for whatever reason. Fresh canvas can sometimes be intimidating, and I like the idea of creating something amazing, out of materials that would have otherwise been destined for the trash.
Other things about me…. I love animals food and travel, and I plan to add more of these subjects in my art as my skill level grows.”
Now that you have gotten to know a bit about Natasha, please join us on Wednesday, July 6th at 7 PM when she will host a virtual Community Building Art Works Paint Night! Details below.
Click the above flyer to register for this workshop.
Paint Night with Natasha Lewis
Join Veteran Artist, Natasha Lewis, for a fun paint night as she guides you step-by-step through a classic painting. But if you’re feeling inspired, you can customize your painting however you like! No experience necessary.
Suggested Supplies:
- Canvas or something to paint on
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Easel or something to prop up your canvas
- Paper plate or canvas to mix paint
- Cup of water
- Paper towel
- Drop cloth or newspaper to keep your painting area clean.
CBAW Marketing & Communications Manager
Rob Haney is an artist, writer, and graphic designer with a passion for making slick-looking and fun images that catch the eye and draw viewers in. Rob worked for over 10 years in retail banking and management in their previous life, before returning to school and earning an Associates of Arts with Honors from Rock Valley College in 2012. An early addict to Twitter, Rob enjoys liking and resharing cool stuff and interacting with people who hold similar interests on the internet. They currently are working on their degree in Graphic Design while creating social media content for clients. When not online, Rob writes and reads poetry, creates both physical and digital artwork, and watches British mystery shows.
