Natalia Cole is a painter who explores stories of coming-of-age, femininity, and identity through wistful portraiture. Born and raised in Naples, Florida, she infuses her upbringing in her art through native botanicals and childhood memories. Currently, Cole is in her senior year at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, pursuing her B.F.A. in Painting.

Bio

Like letters on a page, my paintings tell a tale of a young girl's journey through her formative years. With primarily acrylic paint, I create unconventional portraits of a self-inspired character. Encouraged by my upbringing, I show the impact of loved ones and the influential world on my life. Much like growth as a human, I infuse nature into my narrative. The hand-detailed and lino print pattern making in each piece communicates the messiness and complex emotion of my character. Each painting reads like a scene in a movie. My character performs seemingly mundane actions in her nature-filled setting, with the innocent cat companion always by her side. The viewer might examine each element to determine the meaning, or ingest it all at once to capture the emotional vibrations. Through wistful visuals, vivid hues, and mixed media application, I aim to reveal a version of femininity that highlights the small cherished moments that shape our lives.