Although I studied art in college, I stopped painting cold turkey after I graduated. Oil painting takes 3 things – patience, money, and studio space – and I had none of those in my early twenties. And I was too busy exploring the mountains of the PNW to be bothered by art. 

That all changed in 2020. I was diagnosed with a rare form of peripheral neuropathy that kept me away from any of my usual outdoor activities for over 2 years. About 8 months after my diagnosis, I had a second failed surgery and felt like I’d hit rock bottom. That’s when my family and friends encouraged me to pick up a paintbrush again. 

Painting didn’t come naturally at first, but one day a week slowly turned to three, and I eventually found myself at my easel almost everyday, accessing Washington’s highest heights from my wheelchair. 

I’m mostly back to the activities I love. I can ski, hike, climb and move my body in ways I couldn’t imagine a couple of years ago. I thought that a return to good health might mean an end to painting for me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. In many ways, I cherish painting even more today than I did when I “needed it.” Before, painting was a distraction from my reality. Now, with the world seemingly at my fingertips again, I’m choosing to be at my easel because I genuinely love being there.

– Nathaniel 

P.S. – Whether you’re purchasing an original painting, or just stopping by, thank you 🙂