Tara Novak
Fine Art
https://taranovakart.com/index.html
Follow my latest arts activities on Facebook & Instagram @TaraNovakAR
Questions / Inquiries
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/taranovakart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taranovak/
Inspired by the ever changing colors and textures of nature, Tara Novak creates unique contemporary fine art using mostly acrylic mediums like plasters, metallics, reactive metal paints, resin, and even glass to emulate and play with those delightful textures and patinas. Her work has a zen-like quality, evoking a sense of calm and presence in the viewer; breathe and just BE for a few moments....
Aspens in the Snow - 54" x 72" triptych
My passion is in abstract painting - The feeling invoked by the colors, textures, and spatial tension in a piece of art. I use non-traditional tools like trowels and pallet knives, layering plasters, metallics, and oxidizing metal to depict the relationship between the ever-changing organic matters in nature and the unique layers of life humans accumulate over time.
Exploring how they get layered and worn, damaged or diseased, yet thrive and grow, providing beauty and refuge. I appreciate seeing humans layered with experiences, creating positive outcomes, despite the challenges - the ultimate desire to become that beautiful lotus flower or aspen tree despite the harsh environments they grow in. Adding unexpected elements like crushed glass, paper or fabric, dripping resin, and shimmer of gold leaf express the glimmers of hope and joy illuminating in the “layers of life” intention I incorporate on a canvas.
Take a breath and just BE in the moment.
Exploring how they get layered and worn, damaged or diseased, yet thrive and grow, providing beauty and refuge. I appreciate seeing humans layered with experiences, creating positive outcomes, despite the challenges - the ultimate desire to become that beautiful lotus flower or aspen tree despite the harsh environments they grow in. Adding unexpected elements like crushed glass, paper or fabric, dripping resin, and shimmer of gold leaf express the glimmers of hope and joy illuminating in the “layers of life” intention I incorporate on a canvas.
Take a breath and just BE in the moment.
Silver Skies 10 - 12" x 12"
Bigger Than Us - 60" x 72"
Spring Thaw - 24" x 48" diptych
Urban Decay - 36" x 36"
Delta - 48" x 30"
Riverbed 2.0 - 30" x 15"
Bigger Than Us 2 - 24" x 36"
With Intention... - 48" x 60"
Playa Del Soul - 16" x 20"
Inspired By Mother Nature
Tara Novak Finds Beauty In Geological Transformations
by Laura Lieff
Blatant acts of nature happen without warning and usually leave a mark – mostly as a reminder that no matter what anyone does or who they are, Mother Nature will prevail. The power of Mother Nature inspired artist Tara Novak’s most recent work – specifically satellite images of Earth that depict geological changes such as volcanic lava meeting the ocean, the aftermath of an avalanche, or looking down to the deep rugged ocean floor.
“I’ve always been inspired by nature, but for this series, which is called EarthBound, I focused on telling the story of Earth’s processes and transformations,” Novak explains. “I wanted to show what happens after storms tear through an area and how the landscape changes when a glacier shifts. I also wanted to depict human-caused disaster sites like the coal ash tailings that contaminate local streams and rivers. As destructive as the contamination is, those organic landscape changes can still have their own beauty.”
Novak’s process is as fascinating as her inspiration because she uses nontraditional materials. As she mixes clear resin and hardener and divides the liquid into cups to make a two-part epoxy mixture, she wears a mask and safety jumpsuit to protect herself from the chemicals. Next she adds mica powders – a ground down natural stone that is found in the hillsides of the Vail Valley. With a variety of colors to choose from, the mica powders provide an extensive color palette. She then uses various tools to spread out the mica-infused resin to create her organic designs.
“Texture is a big part of what I do,” Novak explains. “Over the years, I have used many mediums like plasters and resins with my faux art business and I like applying those skills, techniques, and materials to my fine art.”
The next step is getting her blowtorch ready, followed by a heat gun, all while being careful not to set her piece on fire. She explains that first the blowtorch releases the air bubbles formed in the resin and then the heat gun manipulates the medium to achieve the desired design. Novak points out that the technique is similar to what she would use to create epoxy countertops.
Longtime Artist + Vail Valley Resident
Crossing over skillsets is nothing new for Novak as she has spent the last 25 years building and expanding her thriving business, Custom Creations Inc., which she started in 1998. Working with contractors, interior designers, and homeowners in the resort communities of Vail and Aspen, she provides artful solutions for decorative wall finishes, woodwork and antique furniture restoration, artistically hiding utility covers, and creating fine art commissions.
A former professional snowboarder and lifetime lover of the outdoors, Novak always looks to Mother Nature for inspiration. In 1993, she earned her degree in Packaging Design, with a minor in Graphic & Industrial Design from Rochester Institute of Technology, where she also pursued pottery, glass, and photography. With her continued exploration of abstract painting and success showing in local galleries and commission awards, Novak also shows her work at summer art festivals like Art on the Rockies, Colorado Art Shows, and Eagle Arts ARTwalk, and through organizations like Vail Valley Art Guild.
As with most of her fine art, her current collection began with a specific inspiration but it changes as she works. “I don’t always know exactly what it’s going to look like,” she says. “I have an idea but sometimes it morphs as I go. Similar to nature, my work is transformative and I think that sets it apart.”
For more information visit https://taranovakart.com/.
Tara Novak Finds Beauty In Geological Transformations
by Laura Lieff
Blatant acts of nature happen without warning and usually leave a mark – mostly as a reminder that no matter what anyone does or who they are, Mother Nature will prevail. The power of Mother Nature inspired artist Tara Novak’s most recent work – specifically satellite images of Earth that depict geological changes such as volcanic lava meeting the ocean, the aftermath of an avalanche, or looking down to the deep rugged ocean floor.
“I’ve always been inspired by nature, but for this series, which is called EarthBound, I focused on telling the story of Earth’s processes and transformations,” Novak explains. “I wanted to show what happens after storms tear through an area and how the landscape changes when a glacier shifts. I also wanted to depict human-caused disaster sites like the coal ash tailings that contaminate local streams and rivers. As destructive as the contamination is, those organic landscape changes can still have their own beauty.”
Novak’s process is as fascinating as her inspiration because she uses nontraditional materials. As she mixes clear resin and hardener and divides the liquid into cups to make a two-part epoxy mixture, she wears a mask and safety jumpsuit to protect herself from the chemicals. Next she adds mica powders – a ground down natural stone that is found in the hillsides of the Vail Valley. With a variety of colors to choose from, the mica powders provide an extensive color palette. She then uses various tools to spread out the mica-infused resin to create her organic designs.
“Texture is a big part of what I do,” Novak explains. “Over the years, I have used many mediums like plasters and resins with my faux art business and I like applying those skills, techniques, and materials to my fine art.”
The next step is getting her blowtorch ready, followed by a heat gun, all while being careful not to set her piece on fire. She explains that first the blowtorch releases the air bubbles formed in the resin and then the heat gun manipulates the medium to achieve the desired design. Novak points out that the technique is similar to what she would use to create epoxy countertops.
Longtime Artist + Vail Valley Resident
Crossing over skillsets is nothing new for Novak as she has spent the last 25 years building and expanding her thriving business, Custom Creations Inc., which she started in 1998. Working with contractors, interior designers, and homeowners in the resort communities of Vail and Aspen, she provides artful solutions for decorative wall finishes, woodwork and antique furniture restoration, artistically hiding utility covers, and creating fine art commissions.
A former professional snowboarder and lifetime lover of the outdoors, Novak always looks to Mother Nature for inspiration. In 1993, she earned her degree in Packaging Design, with a minor in Graphic & Industrial Design from Rochester Institute of Technology, where she also pursued pottery, glass, and photography. With her continued exploration of abstract painting and success showing in local galleries and commission awards, Novak also shows her work at summer art festivals like Art on the Rockies, Colorado Art Shows, and Eagle Arts ARTwalk, and through organizations like Vail Valley Art Guild.
As with most of her fine art, her current collection began with a specific inspiration but it changes as she works. “I don’t always know exactly what it’s going to look like,” she says. “I have an idea but sometimes it morphs as I go. Similar to nature, my work is transformative and I think that sets it apart.”
For more information visit https://taranovakart.com/.
Wall Finishes
Hand crafted custom wall finishes to bring your vision to life!
Textures, glazes, plasters, metallics, mica, glitter, stencils...
You name it, we can create it!
Faux Finishes
Faux Painting of utility covers, doors, concrete rock-scapes, and more...
We specialize in making things beautiful, blend in, match, or to just disappear.
Artist: Tara Austin Novak - Artspace workshop+gallery Photo credit @seanfboggs
Mountain girl, artist, entrepreneur… Growing up in upstate New York, this adventurous spirit has been a Vail Valley resident for over 25 years. Tara Austin Novak’s abstract paintings depict the textures and ever-changing colors in the mountains and waterways of Mother Nature’s landscapes.
After graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology, with degrees in Packaging, Graphic, and Industrial Design, Tara then ventured west, where snowboarding took over her world in 1994. She spent several years competing in pro circuits and teaching at Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts, where she fell in love with the joy of snowboarding in the aspen glades and the mountain lifestyle.
Tara’s main business is her company, Custom Creations Inc. Working with contractors, interior designers, and homeowners in the resort communities of the Vail Valley, she provides artful solutions for decorative wall finishes, woodwork and antique restoration, and fine art commissions to beautify their luxury homes.
Tara founded the artist cooperative ARTSPaCE workshop+gallery in 2015. This space is Tara’s home studio, while also continuing to grow as a thriving hub, supporting local artists and community collaboration.
In 2019 Tara received the Town of Eagle’s “Community Impact Award” for her vitality building efforts creating the EagleARTS ARTwalk event in Historic Downtown Eagle; In November 2023, this monthly event celebrated 5 years of cultivating relationships and projects with artists, the community, and local businesses.
Over the past several years, Tara has been awarded several public art projects in the Vail Valley – project management and decoratively painting public benches in Avon, beautifying utility boxes in Riverwalk Shopping District in Edwards, along with managing an ongoing bench beautification project in Historic Downtown Eagle, CO. She and her art gallery have also won awards in the Vail Daily’s annual “Best of Vail Valley” competition: Best Visual Artist and Best Art Gallery, 5 years running.
Currently, Tara serves on the nonprofit Boards of the Vail Valley Art Guild and EagleARTS, and is a member of the Eagle Chamber of Commerce and the Vail Partnership. While she enjoys being involved in community outreach partnerships, getting out in nature snowboarding, hiking, and camping with her family and friends is still her primary passion for living in this Colorado mountain town community.
Portfolio: taranovakart.com FB/IG @TaraNovakART
Mountain girl, artist, entrepreneur… Growing up in upstate New York, this adventurous spirit has been a Vail Valley resident for over 25 years. Tara Austin Novak’s abstract paintings depict the textures and ever-changing colors in the mountains and waterways of Mother Nature’s landscapes.
After graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology, with degrees in Packaging, Graphic, and Industrial Design, Tara then ventured west, where snowboarding took over her world in 1994. She spent several years competing in pro circuits and teaching at Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts, where she fell in love with the joy of snowboarding in the aspen glades and the mountain lifestyle.
Tara’s main business is her company, Custom Creations Inc. Working with contractors, interior designers, and homeowners in the resort communities of the Vail Valley, she provides artful solutions for decorative wall finishes, woodwork and antique restoration, and fine art commissions to beautify their luxury homes.
Tara founded the artist cooperative ARTSPaCE workshop+gallery in 2015. This space is Tara’s home studio, while also continuing to grow as a thriving hub, supporting local artists and community collaboration.
In 2019 Tara received the Town of Eagle’s “Community Impact Award” for her vitality building efforts creating the EagleARTS ARTwalk event in Historic Downtown Eagle; In November 2023, this monthly event celebrated 5 years of cultivating relationships and projects with artists, the community, and local businesses.
Over the past several years, Tara has been awarded several public art projects in the Vail Valley – project management and decoratively painting public benches in Avon, beautifying utility boxes in Riverwalk Shopping District in Edwards, along with managing an ongoing bench beautification project in Historic Downtown Eagle, CO. She and her art gallery have also won awards in the Vail Daily’s annual “Best of Vail Valley” competition: Best Visual Artist and Best Art Gallery, 5 years running.
Currently, Tara serves on the nonprofit Boards of the Vail Valley Art Guild and EagleARTS, and is a member of the Eagle Chamber of Commerce and the Vail Partnership. While she enjoys being involved in community outreach partnerships, getting out in nature snowboarding, hiking, and camping with her family and friends is still her primary passion for living in this Colorado mountain town community.
Portfolio: taranovakart.com FB/IG @TaraNovakART
Cabinetry & Furniture
TERRAFAUX Custom Creations also specializes in Cabinetry and Furniture restoration, ding and scratch repair, and custom designed finishes...
Tara Novak
Fine Art
https://taranovakart.com/index.html
Follow my latest arts activities on Facebook & Instagram @TaraNovakAR
Questions / Inquiries
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/taranovakart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taranovak/
Fine Art
https://taranovakart.com/index.html
Follow my latest arts activities on Facebook & Instagram @TaraNovakAR
Questions / Inquiries
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/taranovakart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taranovak/
