When it comes to his artwork, Joshua Toritto prefers not to limit himself. He uses a variety of mediums, including watercolor, gouache, oil, marker, ink and acrylic.
Because his portfolio is so diverse, people often ask him “is all of this yours?”
If you visit Toritto’s website, you’ll find, among other things, an acrylic painting of a 1971 Porsche, a mixed media piece featuring the Philadelphia skyline, a caricature of Alfred Hitchcock, an oil painting of Nick Foles’ “Philly special” play and even a children’s book. His repertoire includes plein air pieces, illustrations, cartoons and portraits.
The student at Rowan College at Burlington County explained his work.
“Thankfully, I met Don Stephens, an alumnus of RCBC and the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. With his classes and knowledge, I have been able to do and see more than anyone else I have ever learned with,” Toritto said. “He trained me to be very versatile, so I can meet the needs of many different kinds of clientele.”
Toritto, of Collingswood, has fostered a lifelong interest in art. Cartoonists like Jack Cole, Doug Sneyd and any of the old New Yorker or Playboy cartoonists are among his influences. However, he was pushed to want to create more after he was introduced to the work of Alex Ross in the book “Kingdom Come.”
“I have amassed a nice reference library at home. It’s always very inspiring and keeps me going, not to mention the people I have had the pleasure of meeting in my time learning and creating,” Toritto said.
Torrito also works full-time as a member of RCBC’s Facilities team but still finds time for hobbies such as fishing, reading and working out. With regard to his future plans, he intends to keep working, making mistakes and developing his process.
“I want to keep reading and being an artist. A friend once told me ‘you’re only as good as your last piece,’” Torrito said.
Information about RCBC’s student art gallery is available at rcbc.edu/studentgallery. View Torrito’s work online at brokenrocketart.blogspot.com.