Welcome to the art gallery of Natalie Trifiro
Drawing
Title: Nude Woman, Charcoal Pencil on Toned Paper 2022
Objective: To understand human anatomy, proportion, perspective, and value.
Process: Using toned paper I did a rough sketch of the female nude figure with a range of pencils. Building my value to create form/shape. Once all values are created I then use a bright white to add highlight to the figure.
This piece consists of the concepts of value, form, and focuses on pencil techniques. I learned the importance of understanding proportions and how to achieve value to create form.
For my future students I will not use nude figures but will use their hands, self portraits, or still life setups so students can practice and build their skills.
Painting
Title: Lime with Glass, Oil on Canvas 2022
Objective: To create the illusion of a clear object while having an understanding of form, color, value, perspective, and shape.
Process: I first used a base layer of light gray oil paint which I then used a darker gray to outline my still life objects. I layered thin layers of oil paint ranging in color and values to create an illusion of a clear glass.
This piece consists of concepts like value, color, perspective, balance, and using oil paints. I learned how to build values and colors upon each other to create a balanced composition. I also learned the importance of how a composition flows with the eye.
For my future students I will set up a similar still life. I will challenge them with the clear object illusion. I will have them use acrylic paints as that is easier to work with for beginner painters and is more affordable for schools.
Sculpting/Ceramics
Title: Dark Sea Skull, White Clay and Acrylic Paint, 2021
Objective: To create an anatomically correct canine skull and to add artists' own personal creative ideas to add individuality.
Process: I started by creating a skeleton of newspaper, tape, and a pipe base for the skull. This will act as a skeletal support for the clay until it is dried. I then added and subtracted clay while studying the cast of the canine skull. I added the extra additions that I wanted to create a unique skull that shows my creativity. Once the sculpture is leather hard I then cut it from the skeletal base to hollow it out. Once the piece was completely dry a white gesso base was painted on it so I could then use acrylic paint to add the mood and effect I wanted.
This piece consists of concepts regarding proportions, form, value, balance, and working effectively with clay. I learned the importance of studying a model to create correct proportions and to utilize my creative individuality.
For my future students I will set up an object like a skull, shoe, or other interesting objects for students to study and sculpt. Students will first need to show that they can understand proportions and create form with their sculptures. After that is completed, they can add their own individual creative flare to the piece.
Digital Arts
Title: Medusa Slain, Digital Painting, 2021
Objective: To understand balance in a composition and to understand Photoshop to create a painting from raw photo.
Process: I first used a raw photo of a friend's head to upload on to Photoshop. I used many tools and custom brushes to digitally paint on top of the raw photo. I utilized cutting and pasting images to create a more balanced and conceptually interesting composition.
This piece consists of concepts of color theory, balance, digital editing, and understanding tools of Photoshop. I learned how to create interesting and unique compositions from raw photos while utilizing the paint brushes on this app.
For future students, if the budget allows for each student to have access to a computer that has Photoshop available then I will teach students the skills to obtain a digital painting from a raw photo. If this is not available, then I will have students take raw photos for a composition that will then be painted on canvas.
Printmaking
Title: Red Eyes Tears Supplied, Mono-Print, 1/1 2023
Objective: Create a 1/1 print that is hand painted on a clear plexiglass sheet. Creating a mono-print using the tools, plexiglass, ink, brushes, roller, and alcohol to create the illusion of a print.
Process: I first started this process by sketching out the design and steps of what areas would be my negative/positive space. After getting the concept ready, I think inked my plate. I used a clear plexiglass sheet as my printing plate. I used the roller to roll red ink fully on the plate that was measured out to my desired size. After rolling the plexiglass with red ink fully, I then took my small amount of alcohol to paint away the image that I wanted. I used the light from my lamp to see the design come through. I used my knowledge of space, form, value, and positive/negative space to create an eye-catching composition.
This piece consists of line, value, color, form, and space.
For my future students I would love to create a similar scenario. I would ideally use this printing method with my older students from middle school to high school. For my young students we could do other forms of prints. Like creating foam shapes and using paint to print different and altering designs so that they are each one of a kind and 1/1.
Painting
Title: Female Burst, Acrylic on Canvas 2023
Objective: To create a visually appealing female nude figure that also emulates the complexity/colorful nature of what it is to be a woman in this world. Working primarily with the focus on the human form and correct anatomy.
Process: I first started by creating an overall wash over the entire canvas using very watered down acrylic paints. I then used a darker blue to sketch out the female form making sure to get the correct proportions. After completing the overall sketch I started to take each step in layers. I did base layers of pinks, oranges, and reds for the skin tone. While using dark blues, purples, and greens for the shadows.
I created deep and over exaggerated color schemes while also obtaining the correct form/shape to communicate the anatomy of the body.
This piece consists of line, form, shape, color, value, perspective, and space.
For my future students, I would not use a nude model but rather a clothed model. I think that the study of the body and how it moves is very important. The body can be overwhelming and rather intimidating. I would use a volunteer if possible to model life in class. Then I would have them move every 10 minutes so that the students don't feel stuck. I would have students quickly draw the shapes of the body until they felt comfortable to add the details in.
Charcoal
Title: Skull Study, Pencil on Paper 2024
Objective: To study and create an accurate depiction of the human skull. Creating the precise value in the sketch to then communicate its form as well.
Process: The process began by studying images of human skulls from each angle and perspective to understand the whole form. I then used my lightest pencil to create a soft outline of basic large shapes. I used the shapes to then refine it into a more recognizable skull. After completing the shape I had to add the major bones/jaw details. I then took differing shades of pencils to create multiple values of gray, black, and white to showcase the shape/forms of the skull.
This piece consists of line, shape, form, and value. For my students I would have them do very similar pieces. I would gather skulls that were used as props to display at each table group. They would then study the skulls in person to get a better understanding of how the skull was a cohesive shape. I would practice with them on how to see the overall bigger shapes before tackling the small details.