Natalie Daratony is a Charlotte-based artist whose murals and paintings tend to reflect the quiet beauty of the natural world. Her work transforms spaces through earth-toned palettes, fluid lines, and intentional negative space, offering a sense of calm and connection.
Natalie's journey as a muralist began with a leap of faith in early 2023. "I decided to randomly buy a huge roll of paper, make my living room into an art studio, and paint ‘practice murals’ in hopes to be painting murals all over Charlotte soon." That simple decision laid the foundation for a career that has since taken her across Charlotte and beyond.
Natalie began operating full-time at the start of 2024, and it's exciting to see her fast-paced growth. She was awarded a coveted spot in the 2024 ArtPop Street Gallery, a program showcasing local artists on highway billboards and digital displays, sometimes as far away as Times Square in NYC. In the spring, she earned her lift certification (for bigger murals) and learned spray painting to collaborate with fellow artist Dead Folks on a mural in Lower South End. Over the summer, she completed numerous indoor mural projects, created a mural for Belmont Eye, and painted a butterfly wing photo op in downtown Belmont. Her smaller works have been on display at the Hart Witzen Gallery, Spurline Creative, Cain Center for the Arts and The Gallery at Morning Star.
Natalie's next move was to transition into her first official art studio at Activation Studios. Located at the Arts+ Plaza campus, the space quickly became a sanctuary for her creativity, “It has allowed me to express parts of my art I didn’t even know I had in me. I’ve had so many visitors, done so many joint projects, and woke up every day excited to go into this space to make and create. I am just so thankful for Activation Studios and this chapter of my life," she shares.
Looking back on her whirlwind year, Natalie emphasizes that her journey has been shaped just as much by people as by her art. “That is what I will remember the most about 2024, that is what I will celebrate the most. Coffee dates, collabs, walks, help, chats, hugs, support, guidance, tears, laughs, celebrations, losses, dinners, real friendship.” It's a good reminder that finding your community can make an incredibly positive difference.
You can support Natalie by following her journey on Instagram, visiting her at Activation Studios, or reaching out to her for a mural, print, or original canvas piece here. On the last Friday of each month, Activation Studios hosts Final Fridays from 5-11pm. This is a chance to connect with other local artists like Natalie in person and explore their art.
By Alexandra Smith