Podcasts

In Episode 40 of Inside the Frame Podcast, Scituate-based painter Natalia Mirabito joins host Dave Petty for a thoughtful conversation about her journey in art, from her earliest days visiting Frame Center as a child to her thriving practice today as a plein air and studio artist. With a grounded presence and a deep connection to her surroundings, Natalia shares how consistency, observation, and a passion for the natural world fuel her creative process.

Growing Up with Art and Frame Center

Natalia’s relationship with Frame Center dates back to her childhood growing up in Norwell, where she recalls her early visits for framing small projects. Now living in Scituate, she continues to be part of the South Shore’s vibrant art community, embracing a full-circle moment as a professional artist whose work is often inspired by the same coastal landscapes she grew up near.

Although she initially pursued a double major in English and art, Natalia ultimately followed a professional path in marketing while continuing her artistic practice independently. Drawing inspiration from early mentors like Judy Rosman, she has carried her love for drawing and watercolor into a mature practice centered around oil painting and plein air study.

The Discipline of Daily Painting

Natalia emphasizes the importance of daily practice—carving out time before and after her full-time marketing job to paint in her studio or head outdoors with her plein air setup. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute sunset study or a larger 18″ x 24″ canvas, she believes that consistent effort and small gains add up over time.

Her work is marked by a calm observational style that captures the ever-changing beauty of the South Shore, from marshes to ocean waves. Natalia also credits workshops and learning from other artists, including Joe McGurl and Hilary Scott, for helping her refine her style while encouraging her to stay true to her own artistic voice.

“I love looking back at old paintings and seeing how much I’ve grown,” she shares. “Even the ones I thought about throwing away remind me of how far I’ve come.”

Painting Outdoors and Connecting with People

A committed plein air painter, Natalia embraces the unpredictable conditions of painting outdoors, finding joy not just in the process but also in the public engagement it fosters. “I love the idea of getting art in front of people where they don’t expect it,” she says. Whether it’s a passerby offering kind words or someone discovering her work for the first time, these interactions help bridge the gap between artist and audience.

Beyond plein air painting, Natalia is involved with local art associations and maintains a satellite gallery space in Norwell’s town center, showcasing her work where people from different walks of life can encounter it naturally.

Balance, Community, and Inspiration

While she paints primarily solo, often accompanied by her rescue cat, her “studio assistant”, Natalia, also values the support of fellow artists and friends. Regular feedback and collaboration, even informally, have been vital to her growth.

Her marketing background lends her a sharp understanding of the business side of art, but she remains driven by the simple joy of creating. Whether sketching a marsh at sunrise or working on a larger studio piece inspired by the shifting seasons, Natalia’s approach is both deliberate and open-hearted.

Frame Center is proud to celebrate and support artists like Natalia Mirabito, whose work reflects the beauty and spirit of the South Shore. As a custom framing studio, fine art gallery, and creative hub, Frame Center offers artists and collectors alike a welcoming place to showcase, preserve, and experience art.