When Ballito artist Natalie Deeb swapped the corporate buzz of Johannesburg for the laid-back charm of the coast, she wasn’t just changing her postcode. She was stepping back into her first love: painting.
Natalie grew up on the South Coast, where sketchbooks and crayons were never far from reach. Though she studied graphic design and spent over a decade in advertising, the call of the canvas was too strong to ignore. In 2011, she and her family moved to Ballito, and with it came a new chapter – brushes, colour palettes and a converted double garage that now hums with creativity.
Her art is as varied as her inspirations. One day it’s a bright, expressive acrylic seascape; the next, a finely detailed oil portrait or a playful abstract. “It’s all emotional,” she says. “When something grabs me, I have to paint it.” What ties it all together? Colour. Bold, joyful colour that reflects her energy and passion.
But Natalie isn’t only an artist; she is also a teacher. Her studio hosts intimate classes throughout the week, with students of all ages and walks of life. “I never thought I’d enjoy teaching, but it is incredibly rewarding,” she admits.
From guiding beginners through messy middles to helping experienced painters push their boundaries, she thrives on watching others discover the joy of creating.
Her work has been shown locally at The Gallery in Ballito and further afield in several Cape Town spaces. Commissions also keep her busy, though she admits they come with a touch of pressure. “You have just got to trust the process,” she says with a laugh. Music helps too. Anything from hard rock to classical violin keeps her in the zone.
Away from the easel, Natalie soaks up life in Ballito with her husband and two teenage sons. Whether it’s beach days, watching rugby, or simply relaxing together, family remains at the centre of her world.
Reflecting on her journey, Natalie has no regrets about leaving the deadlines and late nights of advertising behind. “I enjoyed it while it lasted, but this – painting, teaching, colour – it is where I am meant to be,” she says.
And it is about more than just beautiful artworks – Natalie is a creative spirit who believes in uplifting others, sharing freely and adding a splash of colour to the community she calls home.
Details: www.natsartstudio.co.za; IG: @natsdeeb
