Original Drawings & Paintings — Waterloo, Iowa

Graphite, Pastel & Acrylic Art • Expressive Mental‑Health Awareness Pieces • Original Drawings & Paintings

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NoelNeff

About the Maker

Noël Neff is a Waterloo‑based artist creating original graphite, pastel, and acrylic drawings and paintings. She began making art in 2024 as part of her recovery from severe depression, discovering creativity as a powerful way to express emotion, rebuild confidence, and share her story with others.

Her artwork is intentionally imperfect — a reflection of real mental‑health experiences and the message that healing is not linear. Each piece is rooted in awareness, honesty, and the desire to help others understand how serious depression can become when left untreated.

Noël donates 100% of the proceeds from her art to two mental‑health organizations:

  • Erika’s Lighthouse — youth depression awareness and education

  • DBSA: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance — peer support and resources

Through Waterloo Handmade Market, Noël hopes to expand visibility for her work and continue raising awareness for mental health, late diagnosis, and the importance of support.

What They Make

  • Original graphite drawings

  • Pastel and acrylic paintings

  • Expressive mental‑health themed artwork

  • Handmade art prints and pieces

  • Custom awareness‑focused art available

Photos of Their Crafts

A detailed pencil drawing of a knitted stuffed bunny with textured stitching, long ears, round eyes, and a small tag reading “17 April.”

Knitted Bunny Drawing

A detailed pencil drawing of a large hummingbird perched protectively over three small chicks in a nest, with intricate feather shading and soft graphite textures.

Hummingbird Nest Drawing

A pastel drawing of two red‑headed birds perched on green leaves against a soft yellow background, with smooth blended colors and gentle shading.

Pastel Birds Artwork

A bright yellow sunflower painting with a dark center and green leaves set against a smooth gray background.

Sunflower Acrylic Painting

A colorful drawing of a brown cross on a green hill with a vibrant sunset sky blending yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue hues.

Sunset Cross Artwork

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