Nathan Novack is a native to the extreme corner of the Midwest where he grew up with his parents and 13 siblings. As part of a family business, he spent many years prepping and painting residential homes. Learning the ins and outs of a residential painter, Nathan worked his way through college as his dad's hired hand. On a larger scale, Nathan developed an understanding of process, layers, color, lighting, and texture, but most importantly he learned the problem-solving aspect. He received his Associate's Degree in Fine Arts at Garden City Community College. Then, he attended Kansas University where he studied graphic design and transitioned into art education. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University, Nathan entered the art education world. He has taught at the high school and middle school levels for 16 years. Intrigued by the untapped talent of students, Nathan believes that there is art for everyone. Whether two-dimensional or three-dimensional, abstract or representational, Mr. Novack takes great joy in helping students unlock their creativity. As he explores the many different paths as a painter, Nathan continues to progress as a professional artist. He is drawn to the many representational and contemporary Western artists.

Artist Statement

As a student in junior high, we participated in career interests. My initial desire was to work with animals as a veterinarian. Growing up in the so-called country, we had a wide range of domestic animals. There were chicken coops, cow pastures, pigs, and sheep. We also had a barn to play hide-n-seek and run around in. This type of play might have led to some infamous bruises and scars. Many special occasions were hosted within the family barn. Weddings, dances, family gatherings, and many memories.

Progressing through education, my gut desire evolved and revolved. There was an unexplainable want/need to create. With much success in my High School Art classes, I was awarded multiple scholarships. Thanks to many teachers, friends, and family who fostered my path. This catapulted my art education. At the same time, I was pulled and immersed in sports, particularly basketball. A strong competitive bone soon dominated my time and mind. While coaching basketball, many life lessons were learned as I tried time to balance sports and art. Most recently, creating at the easel, capturing with the camera, and studying light has outweighed stepping onto the gym floor. I want to continue to display my fingerprint to where I find beauty through painting.

Within the location, I can confidently say that I'm truly compelled by the array of variously composed visions. The borders of the states seem to not be enough to justify the lines of differences among us, nor our lifestyles. Instead, the terrain with all its variables helps dignify my creative endeavors. Through these observations, there is an artistic compassion, an inspiration within that revolves into a conceptual display resolved onto the surface. These include the agricultural structures of the Midwest, the Southwest bovines and their terrain along with the Western wildlife and its terrain. In particular, I enjoy painting barns, bison, and longhorns. They all share a relevance that magnifies from my perspective, embedded as a oneness to their surroundings. With encounters, I want to articulate the majestic beauty that is naturally integrated.