Tori Cole, 27 PENNSYLVANIA
Style & Inspirations: I think my inspirations are expanding and evolving as I keep learning. I used to be really focused on French 19th-century academic work, but lately I’ve been really caught up in and inspired by a wider range of work, looking to artists like Judith Leyster, William Nicholson and even Georgia O’Keeffe.
Art Education: I started my art education when I was 12 with a wonderful painter named Carol Arabie. I took classes with her for four years, and once I turned 16 I started traveling, taking numerous art workshops and classes until moving to Brooklyn in 2020 to be a full-time student at Grand Central Atelier and I graduated in 2024.
Best Art Advice Received: To just keep painting. It was simple advice, but it kept me going when I was feeling ready to put the brushes down.
Favorite Studio Music: Honestly, I find music too distracting, so usually I prefer silence or an audiobook of something I’ve read before.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: I feel like this is constantly changing month to month, but if I had to pick this moment it would be LAS HILANDERAS by Velázquez.
Artistic Goals: My biggest goal is to still be painting when I’m in my 80’s, but more specifically I want to keep up an active practice of painting that I’m constantly learning from and to make paintings that are uplifting.
Other Passions: My next biggest passion after painting is spending time with my two dogs, Duke and Sadie. They couldn’t be more different in personality, but they keep life interesting! My third passion would be knitting; I picked it up during the pandemic and it’s become a part of my daily routine.
Contact info: torililycole.comPrice Range: $150-$2,500
Included in “21 Under 31 | Young Artists to Watch, 2026” from the August/September 2026 issue.
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