Location: United Kingdom
Nataly Kenny is a London-based artist originally from Yerevan, Armenia. After immigrating to England in 2001, she embraced the gift of time through early retirement, allowing her to fully explore her passion for art. Specializing in impressionism and abstraction, Nataly primarily works with oil paints but enjoys experimenting with acrylics, gouache, and soft pastels.
Fascinated by the interplay of light and shadow, she captures the beauty of landscapes, portraits, and figures. With a growing interest in abstract expression, Nataly seeks to channel emotions into her creations, hoping her art brings joy and healing to viewers. Inspired by masters like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh, Sorolla, Sargent, and Zorn, she focuses on creating a harmonious connection between her art and those who experience it.
As an artist rooted in the vibrant tapestry of London, yet shaped by my Armenian heritage, I find my journey deeply intertwined with the exhilarating interplay of light, shadow and colour that surrounds us. Having immigrated to England in 2001, I’ve embraced the ever-changing landscapes of my new home, which serve as boundless inspiration for my art.
After an early retirement, I’ve gifted myself the freedom to delve into my creativity. I gravitate towards impressionism and abstraction, primarily working with oil paints but also experimenting with acrylics, gouache, and soft pastels. My fascination with the dynamic between light, shadow, and colour informs my approach, allowing me to explore the complexities of emotion through both vibrant landscapes and emotive portraits.
In my practice, I aim to channel emotions into abstract expressions that resonate on a personal level, creating pieces that evoke joy, harmony, and hope. I aspire for my art to be a source of healing, not just for me as the creator, but for viewers as well. Influenced by the likes of Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Sorolla, Sargent, and Zorn, I strive to weave their spirit of beauty and emotional depth into my work.
I believe that through the act of creation, we connect with our souls, expressing our unique vision of the world. It is my hope that my artworks bring the same sense of peace and healing to those who experience them, fostering a profound connection between creator and viewer.
“Peace, Peace series, Fuerteventura impression”
Oil on canvas paper, 12"X12 ", 2023
Oil on paper, 9"x12 ", 2023
“Hope, Fuerteventura impression”
This is my impression of a scene in Fuerteventura that reminded me that the human being cannot do or achieve anything without hope.
Oil on canvas, 8"x10 ", 2023
Portrait painting can be very challenging at times, but very rewarding as well. It requires a high level of concentration, sometimes it feels like doing a puzzle, one shape at a time!
My main goal , when creating a portrait is the expression of the subject. It is not an easy task, even if you follow all the existing theories and rules on how to draw and paint a portrait. It is about constant comparison of the forms and shapes, the relationship of the planes, angles and levels,. Also, the behavior of the light has a huge impact on how the shapes form.
For me the most important thing is what I want to say about the character that I am painting. I find it challenging, but at the same time it can be immensely rewarding, when you look at your painting and it is a success.
The key to successful portrait painting (and other painting genres also relate to this technique) is in stepping back, even leaving it and coming back in a couple of hours, which helps you to see your mistakes and correct them. And if you are completely stuck and do not see what exactly is wrong, do a mirror check. It works like magic!
Creating a series of portraits of my family members was one of my projects in 2022.
Acrylics on mixed media paper, 12"X12 ", 2023
A beautiful happy smile on a young beautiful face that was challenging to catch.
I find painting landscapes relaxing and meditative. It is impossible to render the incredible beauty of nature, we can only try to recreate it, being very humble in our ambitions.
What really helps me is the direct observation of nature and learning from nature.
We, artists, don't have to copy a scene, because our mission is to create an emotional response to the scene and try to express our own unique vision.
Another important skill we have to learn is the art of simplification! And always remember: less is more!
Before you start painting a landscape, there is so much to consider, even if it is from a reference photo: the effect of light, the interplay of light and shadow, the atmospheric conditions, the dance of the colours in the light, reflected light, soft, hard and lost and found edge are all so impactful on the result you want to achieve.
There are so many theories on how to paint a beautiful landscape..., but there is no magic formula! My way is using the blueprint of the process of painting that I have learnt from my amazing teachers combined with a direct observation of nature herself. Lots of squinting technique to see the big value shapes is involved here!
Oil on paper, 9"x12 ", 2023
Oil on paper, 11"x14"
Oil on canvas panel, 14"x18", 2024.
Oil on paper, 7"×9", 2024.
Oil on paper, 8"×11", 2022.
Soft pastels, 9"x12 ", 2023.
This is my favourite part of London. I feel lucky and grateful to be surrounded by this beauty!
Bulgarian series.
Inspired by the wildness of the vegetation and beautiful reflections.
Inspired by witnessing a real tragic event.
A sunset at the Black sea, Bulgarian series. Amazing colourful reflection on the waves.
“Magical glow after the rain ”
An amazing late sunset light after the storm, and beautiful reflection in the puddles
A strong light effect in this sunlit forest scenery with a dramatic contrast of the shadow and dappled light on the path.
"Start where you are and use what you have." - Marla Baguetta. That is exactly what I did four years ago!
I started with a set of pastels from my daughter's school materials and a set of school grade oils. I had never painted in pastels or oils before, so couldn't feel any difference. What I know for sure is that I immensely enjoyed the process of painting!
I have always thought before that painting a still life was boring... Nowadays, I really enjoy doing a still life, especially when the composition is created by myself. There is so much to consider again: different shapes interplay, light effect on the objects, reflected light and mysterious shadows.
It is rewarding to watch how ordinary objects turn into a harmonious composition and a lovely painting at the end!
I was inspired by the freshness and the colour interplay of the first garden tomatoes, symbolizing our deep connection with the mother land.
Every animal has a character, which is emphasized by the environment it is surrounded by. To catch that character and render it is quite a serious task! What I try in my paintings is to be faithful to this idea. The horses at the fenced farm longing for freedom. The bear is tired and sleepy after his long search for food. The little kitten is begging for milk and love. Even the bees have such a charisma!
Painting a cityscape can be challenging. The success of the painting is to catch a balanced composition and eliminate all the unnecessary details. Easier said, than done! But with practice and following the blueprint of the process, it is possible!
I love painting cityscapes, especially the places I have visited. The results are much more successful when I can emotionally relate to the subject.
Originally, I spent a lot of time to find what inspires me to paint on different websites or just using reference photos provided by my teachers, today I use my own reference photos.
It is very important to train your eyes to see the beauty of the ordinary scene in everyday life. One wise artist mentioned the importance of learning to see a "Grand Canyon" in your own backyard.
Channeling emotions through abstract expression.
The painting is a dance of vibrant hues—deep blues and purples that mimic the night sky, interspersed with bursts of bright pinks, golds, and whites that evoke the essence of flowering petals. Swirling forms traverse the canvas, merging and flowing together to create a sense of movement, as if the universe is continuously blossoming in front of your eyes. The textured layers add depth, inviting the viewer to explore every nuance and detail.
Soft clouds drift away over a turbulent sea, engaged in a tempestuous dialogue with the sky. Gentle hues of orange and gold interplay with deep blues, as the restless waves extend toward the sky, mirroring the golden tones above.
"Flora Bliss" features a stunning array of poppies depicted in an abstract expression. Vivid reds explode in the light, contrasted by mysterious blues, greens, and purples that create depth in the shadows. Golden marks of light dance delicately across the petals and leaves, capturing the essence of nature's beauty. Inspired by floral landscapes, the painting embodies joy and harmony, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its vibrant tranquility.
Inspired by the floral fantasy and the beauty of nature, this piece showcases a vibrant interplay of color and light. Light dances gracefully on the pink and red rose petals, accentuated by delicate touches of golden marks. Hidden shapes emerge from the depths of blues and greens, adding intrigue and complexity. My hope is that this painting brings joy and harmony to all who view it.
"Dancing Wave" embodies an abstract expression of movement, featuring a shadowy background of deep blues and purples, softly accented with touches of turquoise. The highlights of the wave stand out vividly, while golden marks capture its dynamic crash, guiding the viewer's gaze. I hope this artwork evokes joy and harmony in all who experience it.
Sunset Kiss" showcases stunning texture created through bold brush and painting knife techniques. High-key reds, peaches, and yellows dominate the sky, while deep blues reflect the sea below. Brief strokes of gold and silver marks add shimmering depth to the composition. Inspired by the beauty of sunsets, I hope this artwork brings joy and harmony to all who behold it.
“Morning walk, Peace series”
“Harvest Season”
“The cyclist, belgian series”
“Poets afternoon, woodford series”
“Unknown Path, Woodford series”
“Me and the beautiful world”
“Me and the universe”
“Colourful India”
“Flight,”
“Madonna of the field”
“Fire in the forest”
“Lunch in Paris”
“Vilena and the flowers”
“Happy days”
“Light and beauty”
“Lonely walk”
“Independence”
“Farm work”
“Enjoyable walk,”
“Innocence 3”
“A morning of a poet, gouache”
“Bundle of joy, gouache”
“Dreamy, gouache”
“Me and my roots”
“Little princess, gouache”
“Innocence 2”
“Self portrait”
“Innocence 1”
“Irena, college times”
“My wonderful daughter”
“Kevin”
“Matthew”
“Sam”
“Diana”
“The afghan girl”
“Alex”
“Tom”
“Vilena”
“The afghan girl”
“Tom”
“Mama”
“Happiness ”
“Sleeping boats”
“Spring in the forest”
“Abandoned castle ”
“Waves of emotions ”
“Happy waterfall”
“Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy”
“Magic forest ”
“Poppies season ”
“Old Village Pond, morning”
“Fires in Paradise ”
“Sunset and the waves”
“Winter sunset”
“Wind mills, holland”
“Sunset, isle of wight”
“Sunset in the snowy mountains”
“Moody sky before the storm”
“Stormy sky”
“Moody sky at sunset”
“Perushitsa village, bulgaria”
“Red barn”
“Reflections”
“Spring forest”
“Lonely walk”
“Forest path”
“Old forest barn”
“Lavander fields”
“Cypresses and the sea”
“Dramatic sunset”
“Backlit trees”
“American marches”
“Boats in staithes, yorkshire”
“California beach”
“Automanl sun”
“Sunny days”
“Beautiful sky before the storm”
“Kissed by the Sunset”
“Happy sheep, Lake District”
“Red Roof House, Woodford series”
“Red Roof House, Belgian series”
“Red Roof House reflection, Belgian series”
“Hidden Stream, Belgian series”
“The Old village well, Bulgarian series”
“Snow in the mountains, Bulgarian series”
“The Old Horse farm, Bulgarian series”
“View from the balcony, Bulgarian series”
“Poppies season, Bulgarian series”
“Bluebell season”
“Olive grove in the morning light”
“Olive grove in the afternoon light”
“Foxgloves - impression”
“Blue Bells - impression”
“Wild roses - impression”
“Spring rose”
“The cliffs and the waves”
“Waves of emotions”
“Abandoned castle”
“Beautiful autumn and light”
“Beautiful autumn”
“Before the storm, Fuerteventura impression”
“Sunset and the snow”
“Etretat, France”
“Cliffs and waves in sunlight”
“Peonies in full bloom”
“Claude Monet's garden and house in Giverny, France”
“Haystacks, casein,”
“Mysterious path”
“Backlit trees”
“Sevan lake, Armenia”
“Greek island”
“Boats in Staithes, Yorkshire”
“Lonely boat, Greece”
“Pine trees and the snow”
“Forest Light ”
“Stormy Mood”
“Autumn”
“Stormy clouds”
“Sunset”
“Spring”
“First Harvest ”
“The paper on a creased foil”
“Still life with a Candle”
“Daffodils”
“Mama's Sunflowers, Belgian series”
“A simple tomato”
“A simple apple”
“Dahlia, abstraction”
“Dahlia, impression”
“Dahlia, impasto with palette knife”
“Still life with pomegranate”
“Pears”
“Fruity morning”
“Mother's Day lilies”
“Half-peeled apple”
“Carnations and the light”
“My wedding anniversary roses”
“Jucy lemons to try”
“Red wine bottle”
“Pears”
“Apple”
“Peonies”
“My birthday tulips”
“My birthday tulips”
“Roses”
“Pansies”
“Still life with a banana”
“Armenian pomegranates”
“Peaches”
“Mira's Roses, Bulgarian series”
“Sunflowers Impression”
“Marie - Boosya, my sister's lovely dog”
“Maya, the neighbour's lovely cat”
“The king of Asper”
“The king of Cayman Islands”
“Longing for freedom”
“Happy family”
“Happy lambs”
“Sleepy bear”
“Our garden fox”
“Hungry kitten”
“Dragonfly”
“Happy bee”
“Happy bee”
“Curious goldfinch”
“Chickadee”
“London in ambient light”
“London in autumnal colours”
“London in twilight”
“London in the morning light”
“Street view, Rome”
“Quebec city in autumn”
“Golden gate bridge, San - Francisco”
“Neon lights in the rain”
“Venice in the evening light”
“Shanklin village, Isle of Wight”
“Old town in Plovdiv, Bulgaria,”
“Venice in the morning light”
“London in sunlight”
“My garden roses in the morning light”
“Sunset at Woodford lakes”
“My garden in summer”
“Woodford in summer”
“Sunset at the Atlantic ocean”
“Morning light, Faroe Islands”
“20220921”
“Spring in Ray Lodge park, Woodford”
“Golden hour at Thurnham Hall resort, Lancashire”
“Spring in Perushtitsa, Bulgaria”
“Light in The Tunnel of thoughts”
“Melancholy”
“Love”
“Forgiveness ”
“The Fire Web of Fear ”
“Hope”
“The Fire of Love”
“Blossoming Universe ”
“Tempestuous Dialogue”
“Floral Bliss ”
“Floral Fantasy”
“Dancing Wave”
“Sunset Kiss”
