I painted “Essential Business” in response to the closing of all businesses in New Jersey due to COVID-19, except those deemed essential. In New Jersey liquor stores are of course classified as essential.

I was inspired by my Strolls through the Hood in Jersey City for this mixed media painting, and specifically a row of businesses with great looking signs and a lot of vintage character.

As a European I am also still amazed by the fact that often times liquor stores and pharmacies are in one building -just calling it Drugs and Liquor – lots of thoughts provoked by this in me.

This original painting was made with spray paint, acrylic paint, gouache, and markers on canvas and it measures 10×10″. It would love to find a new home and you can buy it here in my store if you are interested.

Nat

Here is another take on the beautiful mansion in my neighborhood.

I cannot wait to see the house in person again as well – I really miss my stroll through the hood.

But I am glad I have so many photos to keep me inspired to paint.

This painting would love to find a new home – it is available in the store.

Nat

Another version of a painting of those gorgeous Neo Greek brownstones in my neighborhood.

I had such a great time painting this using Spraypaints, Markers, stencils and stamps.

This might be one of my favorites of my Stroll Through the Hood Painting Series. But hey – there will be more lol.

This 10×10” canvas is still available in my store and I would love if it would find a loving new home.

And please join me tomorrow for a Facebook Live Kaffeeklatsch at 12noon EST! I would love to say Hi and catch up on everything new at n*Studio :)

Nat

This little painting already found a loving home and I am so excited about it.

It makes me really happy to know that my Stroll Through the Hoods paintings do resonate with you and there are other architecture lovers out there :)

Now when I walk by the house I will think “someone else likes you so much – you are now part of a different home in a different state as well” – I like that thought.

I hope you are all doing well- please stay safe and healthy!

Nat

This Mini Painting on canvas board called “Mini Greek to Me” already found a loving home – but I would still like to share :)

I love this row of 5 Neo Greek style brownstones in my neighborhood.

Every time I pass them I see some other detail that intrigues me and the more I research the different styles of Brownstones the more I can categorize them.

My new routine is to first sketch and work on the building in my art journal – and then I paint it on a small and bigger canvas at the same time and last I add it to a huge ledger from 1840 which I want to fill with all those buildings and I call it the Stroll Through the Hood Ledger. I will share some pix or a little video with you some time later this year.

I have a lot of fun with those paintings. As said this one found a home – basically the moment I said I finished it on Instagram- if you want to check out my other paintings- head on over to the store. I always love heading to the post office and send a painting out …also because I pass those Neo Greek houses on the way ;) 

Nat

This year I really found my groove to make sure to paint every morning before I do anything else -and slowly I am getting around the hood as I am painting scenes from my strolls from the hood.

“Yas Queen Mini” is an original painting made with spray paint, acrylic paint, gouache, and markers on canvas board. I am usually starting out with a study of the scene in my art journal and then create one small painting on canvas board and a slightly bigger one on canvas and last but not least also add a version of the painting to a big old ledger (I will show you a glimpse of it once it filled up a bit more) .

As I said, I was inspired by my Strolls through the Hood in Jersey City for this little mixed media painting, and specifically a magnificent Queen Anne style mansion that I often stroll by. I am really fascinated by the over-the-top style of architecture and it is sad that the house is slowly dilapidating.

Yas Queen Mini is now available in the store and would love to find a new home! 

Nat

Block Party is a different take on a painting of this building and is inspired by my strolls through the hood. It is part also of my neighborhood series.

I created it with spray paint, markers, ink, and acrylic paint on canvas. You will often see the combination of classic row house architecture and a colorful contemporary mural in our city and I am big fan of that.

In this scene the mural depicts a festive block party, you can almost hear the old skool hip hop (maybe Sugarhill Gang’s Rapper’s Delight?) and get a feel for the vibe.

 I carried this energy throughout the piece in the bright colors and rhythmic patterns in the background.

“Block Party” is an original painting on canvas and measures 10″x8″ -It is available in the store and would love to find a new home.

Nat

Block Party Mini is another painting inspired by my strolls through the hood and is part of my neighborhood series. ⁠I am having so much fun with this series and also really enjoy making multiple versions on different substrates.

The combination of classic row house architecture and a colorful contemporary mural is something that is not uncommon in this city – and I am a fan of it. In this scene a wonderful mural by @zoonchez (on instagram) depicts a festive block party, you can almost hear the old skool hip hop (maybe Sugarhill Gang’s Rapper’s Delight?) and get a feel for the vibe.

There will be a dessert place coming soon in the storefront and boy I cannot wait :)

“Block Party Mini” is an original painting made with spray paint, markers, acrylic paint, gouache, and stencils on canvas board and measures 8″x8″ and available now in my store! EDITED: SOLD

Nat