In my studio: painter Caz Novak’s studio on Ōakura Beach, Taranaki

In a spacious seaside studio in Ōakura, Caz Novak has plenty of inspiration to draw from just outside her window.

It’s a view that has inspired a whole series. Caz Novak’s two-storey beachfront studio in Ōakura, Taranaki, frames the ocean through large windows, a perspective evident in
his 2001 Peaceful Paintings of New Zealand’s coastline and native flora in vibrant shades of blue, green and red. This has been Caz’s studio for 27 years, a bright and airy space that has seen her painting style evolve from contemporary realism to looser, more expressive paintings. Fans of her work appreciate the “feel-good nature” of her work, Caz says, as well as her use of bold colours and botanically inspired compositions that bring the outdoors in.

Describe your studio and how it inspires you?

I have been working in my home studio, which occupies the second floor of our seaside home in Ōakura, for 27 years. It is spacious, bright, and has plenty of floor space for my easels and when I paint canvases on the floor. I have kept the space simple, with a workstation that holds prints and paints, shelves and storage for materials, a glass-topped palette cart, and space for painting media. My favorite place to take a break is the window seat, which offers the best views of the beach, river, and headlands.

Is it difficult to achieve work-life balance when your studio is at home?

At first I found it difficult, especially when our daughters were young and my professional life had to adapt to their schedules. Today, I have found my rhythm and I can go down quietly and relax or, on the contrary, work longer and on weekends before the release of a collection.

Where did you learn to paint and is it a constant journey?

What excites you about your work?

I’m always excited that this is my job and I get to play with colors!

What is your painting process?

Nature, and botanical motifs in particular, are my inspiration. I often take photographs to use in a new collection at nearby Pukekura Park, which is my go-to garden for seasonal inspiration. Once I have a specific concept in mind, I sometimes play with it on paper, but I mostly like to translate it directly onto canvas and develop it there.

What is it about your pieces that resonates with people?

I am fortunate to have a growing number of collectors who enjoy living with my paintings. I believe this is due to the enjoyable nature of my work, my use of colour, textured impasto painting and botanical-inspired compositions that bring the garden indoors.

How has your painting style evolved over the years?

I would describe my early series as contemporary realism, but as my work has evolved it has become looser and more expressive. I am enjoying this new direction and approach to painting, as evidenced by my recent To evoke series.

Have you ever had a failure from which you learned a lesson?

Commissions were a great idea early in my career, but they limit what you paint and how you paint it and can eventually be counterproductive. I have since discovered that producing collections of work is a more effective way to continue to evolve as an artist.

Was there a time when you considered a different path or gave up painting?

No, I never considered changing paths: creating art is incredibly satisfying.

You are also involved in the business side of your painting, what does that look like for you?

This looks different every week and can include communicating with my mailing list, selling my artwork, invoicing, packing art boxes for shipping, booking freight pickups, or completing export paperwork. It also means connecting directly with buyers and collectors, which is always an enjoyable part of my day.

Have you ever had a business mentor?

No, but my family is incredibly supportive. Milla, my daughter and co-founder of Kindred, handles all of my digital and content needs, including website design, marketing materials, catalogs, videos, and photoshoots. My husband, Steve, is a small business accountant and a great sounding board. He also works from home, which makes him my favorite barista!

The most important thing in your life is the people around you. Nurture your relationships with your loved ones: they are your greatest gift.

What self-care strategies do you have in your life?

At the risk of sounding cliché, I find that long walks on the beach are the best way for me to unwind and relax. I also try to start my day with a yoga session; I keep my mat in the studio and find that the combination of gentle movement while looking at a work in progress has a miraculous way of solving any issues I may be having with it.

Any advice for other creatives looking to start their own business?

When it comes to starting a creative business, I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all solution. The best thing to do is start with a clear business strategy that defines your goals. Also, be prepared to make mistakes, overcome challenges, build resilience, and enjoy your wins! Make the most of every opportunity for exposure, and remember that there are many ways to market your art; experiment and find out what works best for you. Being a freelancer requires a lot of energy, but there are benefits if you’re doing something you love.

Who or what inspires you?

Nature is my main source of inspiration. I am fascinated by the colors, textures and patterns it contains. I am also influenced by the Fauves and Impressionists, modern art, interior design, gardens and travel.

Inspiring creatives and their studios.