About the Artist

My name is Natalie Erler, and I am an 18 year old part-time artist. I started taking commissions at 13 years old. Now, I try to create more original artwork that expresses who I am and find out more about the creative process. I still take commissions, with a much wider skill range. I specialize in dog portraits, but am willing to take on anything! Go to the “Commission Work” tab to learn more or click the contact button below to reach out directly to me!

I’ve also attached a “secret” page of my poetry! The only way to get there is to tap the “Poetry” button located only on this page. I hope you find one you enjoy!

I grew up in central Texas. My dream has always been to do something big with my life, whether it’s art related or not. That dream came true the summer of 2024. I had the opportunity to volunteer at a school in Spain for 3 months, and I decided to do it. Over those three months, I perfected my Spanish, created artwork, and learned more about so many cultures around the world.

(IMG Description: Artist Natalie Erler standing next to Gold Medal winning piece, “Pile of Power” at UIL Vase.)

2024 Spain Trip

After going to Spain, I have to admit that part of who I am is connected to Spain. I spent 3 months in the culture and learned so much about the world and myself. I will be creating artwork, perhaps a series, dedicated to the time I spent there and the people I met.

2023 AP PORTFOLIO.

2023 AP PORTFOLIO.

For my junior year of high school, I focused all my artwork about my journey as an artist, especially the beginning of my exploration in the medium of string. Take a moment to scroll through the series, which displays the emotions I feel behind creating art.

If you would like to look at these pieces in more detail with more description, press the button below.

  • (1) "Here In My Room"

    The title of this piece is inspired by an Incubus song, just like “Familiar Faces”. I started the series in an artist block, unsure of what I was going to do. I’m staring at a blank piece of paper, waiting for ideas to unravel.

  • (2) "Life Is Just A Ball Of String"

    I wasn’t ready to experiment with other materials yet, so I just decided to draw my hand holding string. The colors are very earthly and it represents how I try to grasp all the world of art in my hands, when in reality the world of art is never ending.

  • (3) "I'm Stressed Out"

    This was probably the moment I felt most tied up in. It was a few months into the school year, and I had made a lot of artwork, but none of it good enough for this series. I was angry, and I tried to capture that in this dark and authentic piece.

    (Charcoal and String)

  • (4) "Apocalypse in a Bathtub"

    I was emerging, yet I was still tangled up. The red string that I drew on represents the way I felt trapped in an artist block, but my fingers were expanding, just as my skill and creativity was. This is a follow up on the piece “I’m Stressed Out”.

    (Colored Pencil)

  • (5) "Familiar Faces in Action"

    This action shot just gives insight to my process and the authenticity behind my string process. The string piece in the making is actually called “Familiar Faces”, which was the first string piece I ever made.

    (Colored Pencil and String)

  • (6) "Familiar Faces"

    This is my first full piece in string and it represents our differences as humans. This took over 60 hours. I wanted to communicate the beauty I see in different people, expressions, and emotions, and how all of these things flow together.

  • (7) "Swimming In The Dark"

    Another all string piece (excluding the plain black background), this piece represents a new beginning for me as an artist. I’m coming out of the darkness with tranquility and new hope, represented by the cool blue the hands are.

  • (8) "It's Showtime"

    Another process piece, this proves my process to be authentic to myself. I incorporated actual pencil shavings and string, and the pieces on my wall in the background are some of my favorites that I’ve done. (Familiar Faces makes another appearance.)

  • (9) "I Think I'm Glad It's Over"

    The feeling I felt the most while making this piece was relief. I was so ready to be done with this series, and I finally got to look at everything altogether. I saw myself throughout the artwork and was so proud, but I was so ready to move on to new opportunities.