Artsy Monday.

This week I wanted to share a local artist whose Southern charm and whimsical paintings makes me warm and fuzzy inside; Natalie Kilgore, AKA "Natty Michelle".
I stumbled upon Natalie's Etsy store when I was searching for local Atlanta artists. I thought her wedding maps were so sweet and I was a little jealous of any bride who owns one.
Through her Etsy store, I learned of her blog and I've been diligently reading it ever since.
I am grateful that she has opened my eyes to some great Atlanta hot spots that I've never even knew existed through her "Atlanta Bucket List". She even inspired me to write my own!
Natalie took some time over the Christmas break to answer some questions for me, so grab a cup of tea or coffee and introduce yourself to Natty Michelle.

*Introduce yourself in 10 words;

I'm Natalie Kilgore, a writer, blogger and stationery shop owner.

*When did you know that there was an artist inside of you?

When I was able to hold a pencil in my hand. Art runs in the family; I have an aunt and two cousins that are incredibly talented, and my dad has been known to draw as well. I still have drawings I did at a really young age, and they crack me up! I've always had a wild imagination and a love for the arts. I would die if art didn't exist in this world.

*What is your favorite piece that you yourself have created?

I am really proud of my wedding maps; each one is unique, and I have so much fun drawing and painting every single one. There is something so gratifying about illustrating a couple's weekend of "marital bliss!"

(click on the map to buy one yourself)

*What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist?

Finding enough time in the day to complete everything I need to do! Many days I find that I spend over 10 hours working on projects for clients, but I can't complain; I truly love what I do!

*Who are the artists that inspire you most?

Bloggers. My Google Reader is bursting at the seams with over 100 art and design blogs, and I can't seem to get enough! Right now, artists that inspire me include Noa Azoulay-Sclater, the crazy talented photographer behind Feather Love Photography

Ryan and Lucy of Berkley Illustration,

and "Mrs. Lilien," styling genius

People never cease to amaze me with their neverending talents and passions. I am inspired on a daily basis; sometimes I see something that spurs an idea for a painting, and other times, I'll see an interior designer's photograph that encourages me to rearrange my living room in a different way. Bloggers are so rad.

*What are your goals for your art?

To keep creating pieces that make others happy. Sending hand-written cards and invitations by mail is a dying art form, and it's something that I feel strongly about. I say that I want to spread the joy of snail mail, one card at a time; to me, there is nothing better than snail mail.

*If you were granted the wish to own any piece of artwork ever made, which piece
would you choose?

My grandmother owns a formal portrait of my mother, painted when she was 18 in 1971. It is beautiful and captures her sweet personality perfectly. I hope one day it will hang in my home.

*What is your favourite colour?

My favorite color changes constantly - I was the kid who oohed and ahhed over every last crayon in the box, and was overwhelmed with happiness when the crayon box expanded to hold over 100 colors. Right now, I would say my favorite color is teal.

Just for fun;

*If you were stranded on a desert Island with a CD player and 5 albums of your choice, what would they be?

Abbey Road, The Beatles

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles

Rumours, Fleetwood Mac

Thriller, Michael Jackson

Gossip in the Grain, Ray LaMontagne

*What is your favorite ATLANTA

Restaurant? JCT.Kitchen and Bar

Bar? Cavern

Attraction? Turner Field - Atlanta Braves Stadium

Thanks so much Natalie! I'll let you know when you can add "taste one of Krystles AMAZING cupcakes at Hodgepodge Coffee House and Gallery" to your bucket list!