Palm Beach Paradise
Super excited to share the process of this creating this triptych I just completed with a Cuban style and Palm Beach influenced vibe. A slight departure from my traditional Chinoiserie style, this thick dense jungle is dripping with vines and details.
The color palette for this piece was drawn from several pieces that inspired me. It was a treat to also collaborate with Caitlin Dinkins of Zoe Bios Creative on the general inspiration and feel for this piece.
I started by laying in a bright cheerful background color after stretching each of the 3 panels. Each one is 72″ high with the center panel being 36″ wide and the end panels 24″ wide.
Here I’ve laid in the ground lines and basic silhouette shapes of the various trees and plants.
After several layers of color are applied to the leaves I paint in hundreds of tedious tiny lines. I decided it was better to flip the canvas upside down to make it easier on me!
I gather a LOT of reference when I do a large piece like this. These passionflower vines were SO lovely I just had to incorporate them. I wanted a vine to sort of link the panels together and create more of a wild jungle look. Here you can see me drawing out some of the blooms on paper before transferring them to the canvas. If you are interested in my reference inspiration you can visit my Pinterest board.
Of course I HAD to choose a cultivar of passionflower that has ridiculous detail!
This piece has MANY birds perched within its leaves and branches. I did my best to include mostly native living or extinct birds of the Palm Beach and/or Cuban habitat like the Cuban Red Macaw, the Cuban Land Snail, Cuban Tody. Here you can see Torch Ginger and a Hyacinthe Macaw.
The native Cuban Trogan of course had to be included. I couldn’t resist him capturing a little dragonfly.
So that’s how it was created! Thanks for following along. Prints of this triptych are offered by Chairish ! This piece has sold. Please contact me, Allison Cosmos with any questions you may have.
Surf and Sea Abstract
Recently, a longtime client and now dear friend of 15 years, bravely transitioned from a traditional home to a modern one in Manhattan Beach. When they bought the home, this very large 12 foot green monstrosity was hanging in the foyer (vertically). They had the brilliant idea to up-cycle it and of course I was up for the challenge.
You can see the original artist had applied these raised 3D circle rings all over. Originally we thought we could cover them with texture but ultimately we decided to stretch NEW canvas on the existing frame.
Here is my assistant Colette (Coco) “helping” and “supervising” me stretch the new canvas on the old frame.
AH….the fresh, clean white canvas awaiting.
These objects in my client’s home influenced the colors and feel for the piece.
These images were compiled to communicate color, feel and direction.
In progress, here you can see I thought about incorporating a substantial amount of coral color on the sides which I later edited out.
A little detour here… I thought I would try out a sort of seaweed with poured paint. Ultimately it was edited out and smoothed over. This is also where the coral color was mostly removed. I’m really happy this happened because it only added dimension, direction, depth and texture to the overall piece.
After the detour, here’s what it started to look like. Some of the early directional movement happening in the layers underneath.
Here you can see how I incorporated some gorgeous netting fabric into the piece which reminded me of seaweed or an even a delicate fishing net.
The only bit of coral I ended up on the piece. I thought less was more in this situation but it was absolutely essential to create interest and break up all of the blue. The coral color is also found in some of the wallpaper and fabrics elsewhere in the home.
Looking up at the finished piece from their foyer entrance.
One of the many beautiful details.
More detail.
Looking down at the finished piece installed in their beautiful new home. What a pleasure it was to create this piece for friends I adore and have known for so many years. I’m so thrilled that they have made the leap into a fresh new start in their modern home by the sea.
“Volcanic Activity” Abstract in Copper Leaf and Verdigris
Recently I completed this large abstract. I had quite a “conversation” with this piece and I enjoyed it so much that it was hard to stop and say “FINISHED”! But alas here it is and I’ll share with you some of the details and process.
Giving a piece a name is always fun and challenging but the title “Volcanic Activity” seemed appropriate in part by its shapes and the chemical reactions that took place. It measures 34″ high X 72″ long and would look fabulous over a sofa, buffet or bed.
My husband had been urging me to do some pieces with copper leaf so I finally indulged him and tried it out. What’s unique about copper vs. gold or silver is that you can create some really fun patinas. I used the fabulous products that Modern Masters offers to create the verdigris.
In addition to copper leaf which you will see applied later, I also used Modern Master’s copper paint before applying the chemical patina.
You can see in this short clip how the chemical is reacting to the paint. Isn’t it magical!
One of my favorite unexpected details of how the chemical reacted with the layers of paint.
You can see in this short clip how the chemical is reacting to the paint. Isn’t it magical!
Of course I couldn’t stop there!! I HAD to play with pouring paint over both the verdigris and the copper leaf.
This piece is available. Please contact me, Allison Cosmos with any questions you may have.
Zen Inspired Calligraphy Artworks
Occasionally I enjoy creating something with pure simplicity. I LOVE detail and I love doing layered abstracts, but every once in a while I like making these simple calligraphy style works of art.
Here are some of my black and white pieces beautifully displayed in the gorgeous home of Megan Winters published in Elle Decor. Photo by William Abranowicz.
This is a custom pair I did for a client in Germany.
Here you can see a little bit of the process.
Obviously MUCH better in person because of the reflective nature of gold leaf.
Obviously MUCH better in person because of the reflective nature of gold leaf.
Loved how this experiment turned out! Silver leaf on a blue-gray background.
More freshly completed black and white pieces.
