Natasha Malpeli is a woman of many artistic talents, and one of them is on display at Bruton Memorial Library for all to see this month.
Malpeli, a prolific painter and musician, is the library’s featured artist for December. She currently has 22 pieces on the art wall in an exhibit showcasing her love of the natural world.
“My biggest inspiration is nature,” Malpeli said. “I believe God created all the originals and we just interpret His creation.”
Animals, plants and scenes from nature (many of which are based on photos Malpeli has taken around greater Plant City) are captured in both watercolor and acrylics. Though Malpeli has been painting almost all of her life, she only picked up watercolors “three or four years ago” and has devoted much time toward mastering them.
“I love doing watercolor because I don’t have to be so precise,” Malpeli said. “I can get a little loose with it.”
Religion is also a major part of Malpeli’s life and is often reflected in her work. The only painting at the library that gets away from the theme at large is smack in the middle of the wall, a highly detailed pair of acrylic angel wings painted on mixed media.
“I actually used drywall mud, and then I used house paint over it so I could lay the texture down,” Malpeli said.
The seventh-generation Plant Citian is self-taught and drew inspiration from three people throughout her life. There was her father, who got her hooked on art at a young age by showing her how to put shadows into landscapes. There was Bob Ross, whose television show she watched religiously on Saturday mornings and drove her brothers crazy. And there was her Armwood High School art teacher, Greg Manley, who gave her the encouragement she needed to keep working at her craft and always try to learn new techniques.
“It’s important for the kids, especially now, to really emphasize art and music because other than sports, I don’t know how else they’re gonna express themselves… I’m very much into fighting for and encouraging kids to excel in music and art, anything where they can be expressive and use the gifts God’s given them,” she said.
These days, Malpeli is very much into creating “live art” for churches, companies and other events. She’s also learning the art of wood burning. One day, Malpeli hopes to open an art gallery in Plant City or at least see a new one open in town.
To buy Malpeli’s art, visit allnatasha.com/art for pricing and further details. All of the paintings on the Bruton wall are for sale but will not be delivered to customers until Jan. 1, 2020, when her time on the wall ends and a new artist takes over the space.
Anyone interested in having their work featured on Bruton’s art wall can apply for a spot by contacting Amanda Preece at apreece@plantcitygov.com.