Gloria Vanderbilt Apartment in Manhattan, 2025

Manuel Santelices   Emerging artists

A sophisticated gaze meets the viewer in this intimate domestic scene. The composition captures a moment of quiet elegance within a private Manhattan sanctuary. A woman stands poised in a classic black dress, framed by the ornate gold curves of a towering mirror. Her silhouette remains sharp against a muted backdrop, evoking the timeless allure of high society. 
The artist blends his journalistic eye for detail with a fluid watercolor technique. Soft washes of pink and blue create a vibrant atmosphere, while precise ink lines define the surrounding treasures. A small sculpture rests on a teal pedestal, echoing the artistic refinement of the interior. To the right, a floral sofa adds a layer of plush texture to the room. 
Framed sketches adorn the walls, suggesting a life dedicated to the curation of beauty. The artwork transforms a physical space into a psychological portrait of luxury and solitude. Every element, from the delicate footwear to the scattered books, speaks of a curated existence. This 2025 drawing captures the intersection of fashion and personal identity through a refined palette of primary tones and gold accents.

Movies, TV and magazines are constant source of inspiration. Fame, as fleckring and shallow it can be sometimes, is very intriguing to him. The worlds of fashion, society and pop culture are captured in the illustrations, paintings and watercolors that the artist creates. In some ways they are the same characters and events that Manuel Santelices covered in the past as a journalist in New York. 

From the Art, culture & society series Watercolor and ink on paper Signed by the artist