“Art is the heart and soul of a society. It encourages us to reflect on who we are and what we aspire to as individuals, but also as a society. It is a force of expression that breaks taboos and allows us to transgress language barriers. Art is a light. It brings people together. The artist is an interpreter, a tool at the service of art.”

Nathalie Nicole Boutin

Nathalie Nicole Boutin, contemporary figurative painter from Quebec

Acrylic and pastel painting – portraits, birds, flowers and fish

Nathalie Nicole BOUTIN , Canadian painter known under the signature boutin , creates works where lightness , peace and visual poetry intertwine. Her artistic universe explores the beauty of life through expressive portraits , graceful birds , delicate flowers and vibrantly colored fish . Each work invites the viewer to slow down, feel and reconnect with the essential. Trained in graphic design and a former fashion illustrator , Nathalie has always had a deep connection with drawing and color. Since 2021, she has devoted herself entirely to painting, developing a style that is both minimal and expressive , intimate and open to the imagination . She works mainly in acrylic on linen or cotton canvas , exploring rich textures and subtle contrasts . For her works on paper, she has created a personal technique mixing pastel with water , giving a vaporous rendering similar to watercolor, but with a discreet and refined powdery texture. Through her creations, Boutin seeks to convey a quiet strength , a soft and silent presence that invites contemplation. Her works are spaces of serenity and emotion, where nature and human emotions meet in a delicate balance. Her limited editions have been presented in galleries in Montreal, Quebec City and Vancouver , while her original works are created in her studio in Verdun (Montreal) .

THE PAINTER

It is in a small Montreal workshop that Nathalie Nicole gives form to joy, strength, and balance—the profound values ​​that underlie all of her small-scale production. Purchasing a "Boutin" is a decision made with both the head and the heart. With the head, because art is a concrete and tangible investment. And with the heart, because her work generates strong, complete, and lasting emotions.


CREATION ON REQUEST

How I go about creating a work of art

When I'm asked to create a work, my approach always begins with attentive listening. I want to understand the expectations, the desired atmosphere, and the message to convey. Each work is unique, and I like the client's or collector's vision to be at the heart of the creative process.

1. The initial discussion: understanding and exchanging

The first step is an in-depth conversation. We discuss the subject matter, the elements you want to incorporate into the work, the colors that resonate with you, or even the atmosphere you want to convey. This is also when I explore more personal aspects, such as your inspirations, your artistic preferences, or the emotion you want the work to evoke.

2. Research and preliminary sketch

After this meeting, I begin a visual research process. I draw inspiration from references, whether photos, natural elements, or direct observations, to create sketches that will serve as the basis for the final work. This process allows me to test different ideas, play with composition, and explore color possibilities, all while taking into account the overall harmony of the project. These sketches are never fixed, as they are starting points, stages of evolution.

3. The choice of materials and techniques

Once the concept is validated, I consider the medium to use. Depending on the project, I might opt ​​for pastels, acrylic paint, watercolor, or other mixed media. For example, if we're talking about a pastel work, I carefully select the colors and paper to create the necessary texture and depth. The choice of material is of paramount importance, as each medium contributes to the feel and message of the work.

4. The creation itself: a dance between inspiration and technique

Once the sketch is in place, I begin the realization of the work. The technical aspect takes on its full meaning here: the layers of color overlap, the details become clearer, and the light and shadow take shape. Let me assure you that every gesture is thoughtful, and that the technique used always serves the vision we discussed together. At each stage, I ensure that the work evolves coherently, that the colors harmonize, and that the visual balance is respected.

5. Final adjustment and critical review

Once the work is complete, I take a moment to examine it from different angles and in different lights. Sometimes this requires fine adjustments—an extra touch of color, a small detail to refine—to ensure that each element fits perfectly. My goal is to make the work not only faithful to your request, but also capable of creating a lasting emotion in the viewer.

6. Visit to the workshop and final adjustment

Before proceeding with the final finishing, I always invite the client to come and view the work in my studio. This is a special moment where we can observe the work together, discuss the last details and adjust what could be improved, if necessary. This step ensures that the work fully meets the client's expectations and wishes. Once all the modifications have been made and your approval has been obtained, I move on to applying the final varnish, to protect the piece and give it its final shine.

Every step of my process is designed to ensure a seamless and enriching collaboration, and to result in a work that will fully reflect your individuality. Creating custom art is an exciting process, and I am always committed to ensuring that each piece becomes a true reflection of your expectations and vision.


THE SIGNING EXPERIENCE

It's less well known, but receiving your "Boutin" is also an ecological choice, as every gesture is thought out and considered. For example, each package is handmade by a small team that multiplies sustainable and responsible actions in terms of material consumption and transport.

Nathalie Nicole belongs to that category of artists for whom every little detail is important. Each of her creations comes with a meticulously designed and assembled user kit, including a certificate of authenticity, an installation guide, and handling gloves. Her hand-painted shipping boxes allow for the recycling of canvas scraps.

In our world where mass production abounds, a “Boutin” is a very contemporary jewel, an essential share, a thoughtful privilege.