In a world filled with skyscrapers and busy streets, small-town artists make magic in a unique and wonderful way. These talented individuals do more than just create art - they also add color and life to their communities. Their work not only reflects local culture, it also preserves it for future generations.
For local artist Nathan Pope of Tappahannock - a historic village nestled in the heart of Essex County - it is all about taking the time to appreciate the region. Through his work, he hopes to enhance community spirit and provide fresh viewpoints that take the mundane and make it magical.
Incredibly talented, Pope cultivated his artistic style by drawing inspiration from the landscapes that surround him, his family’s unwavering support, and the rhythm of music – one of his main muses. Though his career in art evolved over time, his journey started early, shaped by the influence of his mother, who helped foster his lifelong passion for illustration.
While he did not initially pursue art in college, Pope’s passion for drawing never waned. As a teenager, he took drawing classes and spent hours creating detailed pencil sketches. One standout piece from his high school years was his graphite interpretation of the cover for the Grateful Dead’s album Blues for Allah. It remains one of his favorite works. After a few years of stepping away from art, however, Pope felt the pull to return to his creative roots and in the 25 years since, his love for art has steadily grown.
The most profound influence on Pope’s artistic journey has been his mother, Carol King Pope. A prolific and professional artist, she specializes in acrylic paintings focusing on florals, landscapes, and interiors. Carol’s passion for art has been a constant in Nathan’s life.
“She was very active in art festivals and had a studio in the house,” Pope recalls, adding that his mother never offers harsh critiques but instead fosters an environment of positive reinforcement. “She still works at her art, and we talk about it. She looks at my artwork and gives me encouragement.” It was her advice that led him to experiment with various styles and colors, where he discovered pastels.
While largely self-taught, Pope acknowledges other artists who inspired him along the way. He cites Kevin Fitzgerald, a landscape artist from Delaware, as an influence, noting how Fitzgerald’s work resonated with him even before he discovered his own style. Pope is also deeply drawn to the landscapes of Albert Handel, whose art continues to motivate him. The rise of social media, particularly Instagram, has also allowed Pope to connect with other artists, invigorating him to become even more creative. Pope has also honed his skills by attending classes and workshops, including one at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, which exposed him to new techniques and ways of thinking about art.
Pope’s own work focuses primarily on the local landscapes, with particular attention to the marshes, farmland and changing seasons that define the scenery around him. He finds beauty in the quiet, often-overlooked details of everyday life.
“I like to tell people that I’ve been looking at this landscape for years. There are years of information in every stroke I put down on paper,” he says, emphasizing the wonderful connection he has with the land he paints. Pope often captures the same scenes at different times of day and through various seasons, with one of his favorite subjects being the view from behind his studio.
Although art is a deep passion, Pope balances his creative endeavors with a full-time job in Richmond. He creates primarily during the evenings and weekends, often completing a painting in a couple of days.
Starting his paintings with broad sketches, Pope works patiently to layer in detail, much like the layering process in music. He noted that in working with pastels, one can only apply so much before it gets muddy, and that knowing when to add more is just as important as when to stop.
Whether he is listening to the symphony of the sounds of nature, by opening his studio door and embracing the songs of the birds, the whistle of the wind and the rustling leaves, or something on his Spotify playlist, it all influences his work.
“I try to create layers, textures and depth in my paintings... much like how different instruments create layers in a musical composition,” Pope said, noting his eclectic taste in music - which spans genres - enhances the rhythm and pacing of his creative process.
His studio, located in a boat shed built by his late father-in-law, offers a quiet, secluded retreat where Pope can immerse himself in his work. The natural surroundings offer him a sense of peace and inspiration, somewhere where he “can think clearly and focus on the work.”
Pope’s family truly plays an integral role in his artistic journey. His wife, Sarah, a former art history major, provides invaluable support and guidance when he faces challenges in his work.
“She helps me make better decisions and points out things I might not see,” he says. “When I have a painting that I think isn’t working, she’ll be like, ‘No, I see something there.’”
Pope’s work is currently featured at the Tappahannock Artist Guild, located on the corner of Prince Street and Water Lane. He has a permanent space there and regularly exhibits his pieces. In addition, his studio is open by appointment for those interested in viewing his latest work. Pope has also participated in various outdoor art festivals and showcased his paintings at Crossroads Art Center in Richmond, a facility that exhibits the work of emerging and established artists from the mid-Atlantic region, highlighting awareness of all art forms.
When discussing his technique, Pope delves into his method of working with pastels. “I use sanded paper, which is textured like sandpaper but made specifically for pastels,” he explains. “I put down an underpainting with broad pastel shapes and use terpenoid to seal the chalk into the paper, creating layers and textures.
Once the painting is finished, I frame it under UV glass to protect the pastel.”
Though he is proud of many of his works, Pope is particularly fond of the pieces shown at the Tappahannock gallery - noting that currently, there are about 15 of his pastels on display.
For Pope, art is about capturing the beauty of his surroundings - often the simple, fleeting moments that others may overlook. His work reflects the land and the seasons, the rhythm of life and his personal connection to the world around him.
“There’s so much to find beauty and inspiration in,” he explained. “The landscapes here on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are incredible. If you take a moment to stop, you’ll see something you might not have noticed before.”
Through his work, and those of so many other local artists - Pope encourages others to do just that - to stop, look, and appreciate the beauty that is abundant on the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and surrounding regions. All while supporting local artists and encouraging the next generation.
For more information, or to see a sampling of his works, Pope invites anyone to visit his website at nkpope.com, or to contact him for a viewing by emailing him at nathan@nkpope.com.