Decorative artistic finishes

Decorative artistic finishes


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About Me

My Background

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My name is Carmen de la Mano. I am a Spanish artist and my last name literally means 'by the hand' . This is auspicious, as my hands are covered in plaster or paint daily; tasked with delivering something new and artistic for my clients. I was born in Sevilla, Spain. And I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I completed degrees from Facultad de Bellas Artes and Escuela de Artes y Oficios. Then, in '92 I moved to San Francisco where I obtained a Masters in Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University.

While in San Francisco, I initially worked as a creative director in the graphic design & fashion fields. Throughout the years my artistic interests continually adjust. I have broadened my talents from UC Berkeley to Lago Como, Italy; specializing in artistic finishes like plasters, murals, chinoiserie, gilding metals and more.

In 1999, I started my Decorative Paining Bussiness, creating amazing interior environments and bringing my experience and sensibilities to my projects.

I am blessed to have eclectic clients with such dynamic projects that keep my days varied. One minute, I might have a trowel in my and creating Venetian plaster walls at a winery in Sonoma while the next project is Faux bois in Paris. I might be buried in coral sculptures at my studio in Chicago for a restaurant in DC followed by stenciling a concrete border for a luxury car garage; only to be atop of a ladder, painting a mural for that special bistro in the north shore.

What I love the most about my work is the quality and range of the people with whom I have had the privilege to collaborate one the years. These prestigious designers, decorators and architects have mentored me and widened my artistic horizons band I count it and honor & blessing to be part of their collective vision. 



My Medium

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I use many different mediums, such as oils, acrylics, and plasters. I believe that working in a single medium is restrictive to my artistic process. Each idea manifests in its own individual style.

My Inspiration

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Are the architects and designers that with their vision force me to seeing myself  in things that are not me, finishing with a collaborative end result that exceeds our expectations.