I’m Natalie Carmella von Schleinitz, a contemporary visual artist based in the Edmonton, AB area, working professionally under the name Natalie Carmella, which is drawn from my first and middle names.
As a young artist with a deep love for painting, drawing, and bold explorations of colour, I began my formal training under the mentorship of Lana Kanyo, Managing Director of Master’s Art Academy in Edmonton, and Larissa Nothof, a professional artist and private instructor in Sherwood Park. Their guidance helped me develop and refine my painting practice, building a strong foundation for my ongoing creative work.
Inspiration and Style
As a contemporary wildlife artist, I draw inspiration from my love of animals and the wildlife surrounding my art studio in rural Edmonton, Alberta. Living in the country, I’m immersed in a rich diversity of wildlife, offering me endless opportunities to observe and connect with nature.
Collectors often ask, 'How did you come up with the concept for this painting?' or 'What was your thought process? Your art is so unique!' Ideas often come spontaneously, without a specific project in mind. They just appear! Where an image of an animal or a particular colour palette will jump into my thoughts. From there, I let the concept evolve naturally, allowing the vision to shape organically as I work.
My style has evolved over the past three years as I’ve leaned more into expressing what I feel rather than what I see. Working with acrylic paints allows me to be fully present in the moment, layering the paint with a variety of brushes, spatulas, palette knives, and other tools to create texture and depth. This process lets me cover the canvas quickly with bold and vibrant colours. Against the background, I sketch a line drawing of the animal, letting the image unfold with dabs and strokes. Incorporating some of the canvas's background and blending abstract elements with realistic representation highlights the interconnectedness between animals, humans and the environment.
I am deeply honoured that my art is part of private collections in Canada, the USA, the UK, France, and Spain. In 2023, I began exhibiting and selling my work, and with the support of my family, I can be found at local art walks and markets in the Edmonton area. I look forward to seeing you there!