Milan Apartment, 2025

Manuel Santelices   Emerging artists

A vibrant interior unfolds through loose, rhythmic lines and expressive watercolor washes. The composition captures the essence of a sophisticated living space where bold color meets architectural precision. A striking red floor anchors the scene, contrasting with the golden warmth of two contemporary armchairs. The perspective draws the eye toward a deep blue vase, acting as a serene focal point amidst a flurry of visual energy. 
The artist translates a journalist's eye for detail into a fluid visual language. Every brushstroke suggests a narrative of luxury and cosmopolitan life. Splashes of autumnal hues climb the walls, mimicking lush greenery or ornate wallpaper. This artwork balances the spontaneity of a sketch with the deliberate harmony of a curated home. 
Light plays across the surfaces in a dance of transparency and saturation. The white space of the paper breathes life into the arrangement, adding an airy quality to the urban setting. Fine art drawings transform a private sanctuary into a study of form and pigment. The scene concludes with a delicate interplay of shadows and organic textures on the floor.

A new series inspired by architecture, décor and stylish personalities of the world of interior design. 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 Interiors series Watercolor and ink on paper Signed by the artist