Natural Inspiration - a Gallery and a Vision

A reception on December 31st marked the grand opening of the new Natural Inspiration Art Gallery on 2nd Street. Owner and artist, David Chatowsky, chose the name of the gallery as a reflection of his art and it's philosophy – express the beauty in nature.

The gallery is a family affair, with works exhibited by David, his father Tony, and his two sisters Mary and Rebecca. A number of the elegantly simple red cedar frames, used to showcase the paintings, were created with the assistance of local craftsman Herman Wells There are also works by local artist/photographer Chris Harkness. The gallery will also have works by famed muralist Stacy Breheny of the University of Florida Museum of Natural History.

Tony Chatowsky used the Japanese art of fish painting to capture the splendor of this dolphin fish

The current offerings include photography, pen and ink sketches, acrylics, oils, fish prints and charcoal drawings.

Can you find the swamp critter in this clever painting by Dave Chatowsky?

The themes of the works run the gamut from whimsical mermaids under the sea, to cleverly disguised swamp creatures hidden beneath brilliant green lily pads. The fish prints, though simple looking at first glance, contain a complexity of rich detail. (Just ask and Dave will tell you about the amazing process used to create these one-of-a-kind images).

Mermaids frolic beneath the sea in this work by Rebecca Chatowsky

Some of the smallest works on display are so exquisitely rendered, that they belie their humble beginnings as "found objects". Delicate scallops with subtle hints of satiny color hidden deep within their shells, and crude edged arrow heads that dance with symmetry and light.

A delicate scallop painting in a natural cedar frame by David Chatowsky

This is not just a gallery, but a working studio as well, and David can often be observed putting the finishing touches on one of his works, as he sits beside the sun filled main windows.

David hard at work

The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, Dave says, "If the lights are on it means I'm working so just give a knock on the door".