“How can you say one style is better than another? You ought to be able to be an Abstract Expressionist next week, or a pop artist, or a realist, without feeling you've given up something… I think that would be so great, to be able to change styles. And I think that’s what is going to happen, that’s going to be the whole new scene.” — Andy Warhol

I am an artist, who travels in various styles. I have been a decorative artist for going on 25 years now. What’s that mean? I create painted finishes, from historical, like marbleizing, to modern finishes using metallics. I have created hand painted motifs and historical designs on all things interior: beams, coffered ceilings, walls, floors, furniture, and canvases.

It means creating mural work. I create event backdrops (weddings, photo shoots, galas), theatrical backdrops for children rooms, hand painted wall coverings for entries, dining rooms, powder rooms, etc. If you can imagine it, I can create it.

Through the years my own style has emerged. I have a fondness for metallic gold embellishments. You will see gold bits radiating here and there in most all my work. It’s magical and makes you feel good. And that’s what I want to do. It’s my joy to participate in creating environments that invoke a next level feeling. A heightened experience. Our homes should be our retreats, our sanctuaries of personal expression and love and safety.

My paintings. Here’s where I relate to what Andy Warhol said the most. With my artwork, I get to be an explorer and go on adventures. I get to really be experimental or play it safe if I want so, in my studio, you will see a variety of work, the range of work is like a landscape. Over mountains, hills, down to the sea. It’s the same place, but the view is different whichever way you look. This way of creating is absolutely freeing.

There’s the gold thread though, that ties it all together. I hand paint the edges and sides of most every painting with metallic piping. I feel it finishes the work, like it can go out and meet the world now, shoes and coat are on.

Come and visit my studio! I always have a number of paintings on view from large to small. I take on commissions regularly. What creative project do you have in mind?

My brick and mortar shop (art studio + gallery) is located at 11 West Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, California. Open 1-5 daily, closed Sundays. I am also open by appointment at your convenience.

Thank you, Colette Cosentino