Natasha Zahn Pristas, a lifelong Alaskan, creates her artwork at her studio in Kodiak, Alaska. Using the stunning surroundings as inspiration, Natasha’s work shows glimpses of Alaskan beaches and flowers. Inspired by Matisse and Kandinsky and described as “lively, vibrant watercolors, with big blocks of thick color & strong lines,” Natasha’s art shares the joy she finds in re-discovering the world each time she paints.
Regarding her long-held interest in the creative arts, Natasha says, “To retain who I am, I have to put something down on the page.  I’ve always sketched while traveling, and watercolor was simply a way to add color to those sketches.  Soon I became enamored enough with the medium to use it purposefully and to aim my pencils and brushes closer to home.”

For Natasha,  “the point has always been to quickly render something—to 'catch' it on the page. Art has always been a way to hold onto a bit of joy that comes my way—a color, a flower, a mood…. Watercolor allows for this spontaneity and fluidity, and combining media creates depth and richness."

Natasha's signature style mixes sketching in pencil or pen, using watercolor paints, and adding texture with watercolor pencils. While her main medium is watercolor, she also dabbles in collage, printmaking, and bookmaking.

Natasha’s art was chosen for the Kodiak Crab Fest t-shirt logo and the Southeast Alaska Garden Conference & Tradeshow poster.

Click Image to see Natasha Pristas' 8x10 Giclee prints.