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Natalie Toplass
Birds of a Feather - original realism still life oil painting - contemporary art

2025

About the Item

Natalie Toplass’s Birds of a Feather is a sumptuous, baroque-inspired celebration of life, nature, and intricate beauty. Against a deep black background, an opulent arrangement of tulips and parrot-like flowers unfurls in dramatic, sculptural forms. Their rich hues—deep purples, fiery oranges, and buttery yellows—are complemented by the iridescent plumage of the birds that perch among them. Each bird, from the starling’s intricate speckled coat to the soft blue of a lovebird’s feathers, is rendered with exquisite precision, capturing both their delicate fragility and quiet resilience. The ornate wrought iron structure in the foreground adds a sense of structure and nostalgia, as if this vibrant scene has been paused in time. There is an undeniable sense of movement in Birds of a Feather, as though the birds are mid-conversation, fluttering, chirping, and observing their surroundings. The presence of a small butterfly amidst the composition adds to the theme of fleeting beauty, echoing the transitory nature of both floral blooms and avian life. The balance between the organic and the architectural, the soft petals and the hard iron curves, creates a visually striking contrast that enriches the storytelling within the work. Toplass’s expert use of light enhances the dramatic, almost theatrical atmosphere, lending an old-world elegance reminiscent of Dutch still-life paintings. Yet, the modernity of her brushwork and her emphasis on detail make the piece distinctly contemporary. Birds of a Feather is an immersive and enchanting artwork, inviting the viewer to pause and admire nature’s delicate grandeur. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. Artist biography: Natalie Toplass began painting professionally in 2003 after moving to Shropshire. She holds a Fine Art degree and a postgraduate qualification in Stage and Set Design. Growing up in Cheshire, Natalie developed a passion for drawing from an early age. When her parents opened a florist shop, she often sketched unsold flowers at home, carefully rendering them to scale in colored pencil. This early fascination with botanical forms became a defining moment in her artistic journey. From childhood sketchbooks to large-scale oil paintings, Natalie’s work has evolved into striking, magnified floral compositions. She attributes her affinity for large-scale art to her experience as a scenic artist—an adventurous role that took her around the world and shaped her creative perspective. Her current works incorporate narrative elements inspired by the weathered beauty of abandoned country houses and the intriguing curiosities she discovers on countryside walks with her dog. These influences help create a visual story within each piece. Natalie’s goal is to capture the emotions and sensory experiences she feels when immersed in nature. Even the simplest details can evoke deep emotions, and she strives to translate this connection onto canvas. Scale plays a crucial role in her work—by enlarging her subjects, she heightens their presence, inviting the viewer to be enveloped by their beauty and whimsy. Her technique has been honed through meticulous observation and continuous experimentation, embracing the challenges of artistic growth. Natalie’s work has been exhibited internationally, including in Tokyo, Singapore, London, New York, and Australia, as well as in her home county of Shropshire. She has been featured in Artists & Illustrators magazine (2007), Shropshire Living (2021), and Collect Art magazine (2023). Additionally, she has delivered masterclasses at the prestigious West Dean College in Chichester. Discover the mesmerizing surreal realism of renowned artist Natalie Toplass, exclusively available at Signet Contemporary Art. Each meticulously crafted painting reflects her exceptional skill and dedication to capturing the world with breathtaking detail. Whether you're looking to elevate your personal collection or bring a striking work of art into your home, you can explore and acquire these stunning pieces through our online gallery—allowing you to experience their beauty from anywhere. “Whilst my work is discernibly representative, I wish the viewer to feel drawn into what becomes for me a speculative visual story combining colour, whimsy, natural life and occasionally humour. The medium is oil built up in many layers to create a vivid and translucent finish, this process also supports a depth and intensity of colour enhancing the drama. I’ve been trying to get to the core of why I have these recurring themes running through my work and after much ruminating I’ve realised the natural life element is enormously important. The natural world displays incredible diversity and tenacity adjacent with transience and fragility. You see the interconnectedness of nature, that you are part of something bigger, something vital that pays no attention to theology or wealth, and I delight in that liberation. Adjacent to these core values, occasionally acting as a kind of ‘theatrical’ setting, is a still life aspect to my work, drawing ideas from neglected or discarded objects and places- creating a visual connection. It’s these aspects that develop their own provinence, their own stories that I find interesting, and realising that a narrative is fundamental to my painting by combining the two is fascinating and ever evolving. ”- Natalie Toplass
  • Creator:
    Natalie Toplass
  • Creation Year:
    2025
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40.16 in (102 cm)Width: 40.16 in (102 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU468315854622

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