Mompreneur: Art for Children by Natasha Devaud

Marin mom and computer graphic artist Natasha Devaud has found a creative outlet not only in her work for Industrial Light and Magic, but also in her portraits and unique childrens' art. To see all Natasha's beautiful children's art, go to her website at www.bluecaravelle.com. Natasha answered a few questions for Marin Mommies about herself, her creativity, and making art for children. Her children's art can currently be seen on display at San Anselmo's Playdate Café.

Please tell us a little about yourself. What is your background?

I was born and raised in Switzerland, in a family where everyone is quite crafty and creative, so, from a very young age, I was inspired to do the same. I have degrees in education, specialized in teaching crafts and textile technics, in fashion design, and a master's degree in computer graphics from the College of Art and Design of Lausanne. I have been a computer graphic artist for the past 15 years (13 of which at Industrial Light and Magic), but always kept doing a whole bunch of creative things on the side, like painting, drawing, designing costumes, sewing, or making jewelry.

How did you get started in art?

I've been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but it's really while studying fashion design that I started to take it seriously. Then, about eight years ago, I started painting portraits of women and children, often inspired by pictures taken on my trips in isolated regions of the world. Ever since, it's been a necessity for me to paint, even if it's just 10 minutes at a time.

What is the inspiration behind your kids' paintings?

A few months after the birth of my first child, I took an afternoon off from "mummy duty" to take a painting class given by a friend. The subject that day was Miro. I really enjoyed the freedom and creativity of that technic and tried to adapt it to my own style, which is driven mostly by my travels and readings.

What's your favorite thing about creating art for children?

The freedom of expression and the imagination. I don't feel restricted in my use of shapes and colors. I also love to hear what other people see in my paintings, everyone sees something different and it often reflects some of their personality.

Where can people go to see your art?

Right now, the children's paintings can be seen at the Playdate Cafe in San Anselmo. Portraits and kids paintings are also available any time on my website, at www.bluecaravelle.com.