Bringing Ancient Egypt to Life, One Pen Stroke at a Time

I’m Natalie Watson, a UK-based artist with a background in archaeology and a lifelong passion for ancient Egypt. After earning my BA in Archaeology from the University of Bristol and working for nearly two decades in heritage and cultural engagement, I founded Wonderful Things Art in 2020 to combine my academic interests with creative practice.

Since then, my reproductions have been stocked by leading institutions including the British Museum, World Museum Liverpool, Petrie Museum and Manchester Museum, as well as in gift shops across the UK.

My mission is to create authentic, research-led reproductions of ancient Egyptian art that allow modern audiences to connect meaningfully with the ancient world. Each artwork I produce is more than a decorative piece, it's a doorway to a rich and complex world of symbolism, ritual, and craftsmanship.

What I Offer

I currently have over 100 ancient Egyptian masterpieces available as:

Fine art prints (square, A-size, panoramic)
Greeting cards (multiple sizes, FSC® certified, plastic-free)
Bookmarks and postcards
Colouring sheets

All prints are produced on museum-quality acid-free 310gsm Canson® Rag Photographique paper, mounted and wrapped in biodegradable cellophane. All other products are printed on 100% recycled FSC® certified card stock and wrapped in biodegradable cellophane.

Explore The Portfolio →

Commissions & Illustration Services

In addition to reproductions, I offer a range of illustration services for museums, publishers, and educational projects. This includes:

Reproductions of artefacts, wall scenes, papyri, and objects
Reconstructions of damaged or faded material
Fictional artwork created in the authentic style of ancient Egypt
Historical research to ensure cultural and visual accuracy

If you need bespoke illustrations for retail products, displays, or interpretation, I’ll work closely with you to deliver engaging, historically informed artwork tailored to your needs.

Explore Retail Options →

Private Commissions & Personalised Art

I also take on private commissions, creating unique pieces that blend personal stories with the timeless beauty of ancient Egyptian art. Past commissions have included:

A wedding portrait for an Egyptologist, featuring the couple in an ancient-style scene with a personalised hieroglyphic inscription
A funerary stela design in memory of a loved one who had a deep appreciation for ancient Egypt
A tattoo design in traditional Egyptian style, incorporating protective symbols and name elements

Many of my existing artworks can also be personalised, such as adding a name in a cartouche to make the piece truly about you or your loved one.

These commissions are deeply collaborative and often very meaningful. I’m always honoured to help bring people’s connections to Egypt to life through art.

Contact Me →

DP34B - Queen Nefertari, Isis and Khepri.jpg

How I Recreate Ancient Egyptian Art

Research: The Foundation of Everything

Accuracy is at the heart of my work. Each piece begins with in-depth research into the original site, period, and purpose of the artwork. I consult archaeological reports, museum publications, historical sketches, and modern high-resolution photography to understand both the art and its context.

When pieces are damaged or incomplete, I reference similar examples from the same period or site to reconstruct the missing elements as faithfully as possible.

Drawing the Lines: Precision and Structure

Ancient Egyptian artists followed strict compositional rules. I replicate their approach digitally by setting up baselines and registers in Photoshop, using red for initial drafts and black for final outlines, just as they did.

Working from high-resolution imagery, I correct for lens distortion and surface warping, then use close-up references to redraw fine details. Where necessary, I fill in lost areas with comparisons from matching artworks to retain stylistic authenticity.

Adding Colour: Symbolism and Tradition

Colour in ancient Egypt carried symbolic meaning. I work with a carefully curated palette based on natural mineral pigments used in antiquity, ochres, carbon, malachite, azurite, and more.

I digitally paint each piece by adding colour beneath the drawn lines, recreating the original look and feel of polychrome wall paintings. This process allows me to save both monochrome line versions and full-colour renderings of each artwork.

“I've never come across such authentic renderings before… the colours are so vibrant and the detail is remarkable.” - Mark, Somerset, UK

Sharing the Stories Behind the Scenes

Each reproduction reveals something new, whether it’s a hidden detail, a translation of hieroglyphs, or a glimpse into the ancient artist’s process.

I document these discoveries in short articles, which you can explore here on my website. They're written to make academic research accessible and to enrich your appreciation of the pieces.