Natalia Eremeyeva-Duarte was born in 1964 in the town of Nizhniy Tagil, Russia. Her artistic life began when she was a young girl. Her home city has a rich cultural history where she graduated from the School of Fine Arts. There she learned drawings, paintings, sculpture and the history of art. The time she spent in this school was an invaluable creative experience. She always knew her life would some way be connected with art.
In 1987 she graduated from the Ural Academy of Architecture and Arts where she studied not only architecture, but drawing and painting as well. The Academy gave her a broad knowledge base which helped her during her 19 year practice as an architect.
While Natalia studied at the architectural academy, she worked as an artist’s assistant for two seasons in the artistic-decorative department at the main Opera Theater in Ekaterinburg. That was a great experience to meet new and creative people and to know the theatrical side of art. As a student she had a chance to work as a mural artist creating wall paintings in kinder gardens.
Working as an architect for over 19 years in Syktyvkar (Russia), she always was interested in art. During her practice as an architect she always had time for drawings, most of them are just quick sketches or watercolors. But she has learned from her experience that only by practice can one’s drawings improve through intuition and a sense of proportion. She always knew that to know technique is not enough to be an artist. The creative vision of everyday life where there are a lot of subjects for painting and drawings would bring out her creativity and passion.
Natalia always used any chance to travel. Travelling to new places where she receives inspiration for her art work. She has been in many old cities in the east of Russia and also west to the Baltic States. Excursions through Europe and Egypt where there are many old cities with architectural masterpieces. Like other artists she takes inspiration from the world around her either big or small.
Now living in California for the past 3 years, she has found an ever growing passion for her artwork. She has brought to life her passion to paint in oil on canvas. Every painting is a piece of her life her history, her passion, her soul.
