Hello! My name is Nate DeRidder and I am an oil painter whose work captures the beauty and eroticism of the nude male figure.
Throughout my life, I have always created art. However, studying at the Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy during college is where I fell in love with making art specifically about the male form.
Wandering the halls of some of the most famous museums in the world, I was captivated by how the Great Masters of the Renaissance sculpted and painted the rippling muscles and brooding poses of their subjects. I spent countless hours sitting in front of these masterpieces with my sketchbook, studying their work.
When I returned home to the US, I began making my own figurative paintings, focusing specifically on the male form. I do this because the male body naturally captures my attention, and I find the shapes and lines created by their broad features incredibly interesting.
So often, queer people are confronted by feelings of shame and judgment from others. So, I strive for my paintings to be a celebration of uninhibited queer sexuality, to inspire viewers to live their life boldly, authentically, and proudly.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:
I share a birthday with my dog, Solana and Vincent Van Gogh
My big three astrological signs are: Aries sun, Aries moon, Cancer rising
I “came out” to my family when I was 14 years old
I also speak Spanish and Italian
When I was in 8th grade, I was on America’s Funniest Home Videos because I got spat on by a llama. I still love llamas though.
I am currently based in Appleton, Wisconsin, and my studio is located inside my home. It’s truly my favorite place to be. My dog Solana is usually sitting on my lap while I'm painting.
Thank you so much for stopping by. To stay up to date on all the exciting things happening behind the scenes in my studio, follow along with me on Instagram.
View some of my work featured in DNA Magazine!
