How I Came To Love Art

Art has always been a part of my life. I often get asked how long I have been an “artist.” I never know how to properly answer this question because it has been a part of my bones and my vocabulary as long as I can remember. When we were home for the holidays this past Christmas, we watched old family videos of us growing up. On my 2nd Christmas, I received my first set of crayons and coloring books. Throughout the film, I sit there in the background scribbling on paper, unamused by all of the other toys and people surrounding me.

I have definitely exercised and practiced my craft throughout the years, hoping to better myself as an artist. But to answer the question, I have to think I was wired this way and have been an artist the moment I first looked at the world, saw something and wondered. 

My mom and dad thankfully saw that I had a gift in the arts and enrolled me in every art class possible in our small town in Louisiana, and through each of my mentors and teachers, I learned an incredible amount. You can read more about my artistic journey and my most influential instructor here. 

However, it was when I was in the 4th grade (right after September 11th occurred) that I fell in love with art and New York City. My grandmother and mom wanted to take a girl’s trip, just the three of us, to NYC. I hadn’t really ever traveled that far up to that point in my life, and so I was ecstatic.

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I remember as if it were yesterday, walking through the exciting streets of the huge city filled with commotion and stimulation. On my way to The Museum of Modern Art, I felt my heart beating faster and faster and the world spinning around me because I was so anxious and elated. The minute we walked in, I immediately spotted Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and that was the moment that changed it all.

When I was in high school, my dream was to return to The Big Apple and live and paint there (Gossip Girl also heavily influenced this aspiration). My parents somehow agreed to me studying at Parsons New School of Design going into my Junior year of high school, and while there, I painted relentlessly. I met some of the most incredible artists and designers and still keep up with them to this day (my roommate, Julia Patton, is one of the most creative, inspirational souls I've ever met and founder of HomeEc). This program changed the trajectory of my early adult years, and I learned that being an artist would forever be part of my life. 

New York was my first love - I’ve only returned once since that trip, but it is a city that has always filled me up with inspiration. I long to get back to New York, and to revisit Starry Night almost 20 years later.

Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Treats

1. Cake Batter Cookies by Elisabeth & Butter:

   • These cookies are hard to beat! I made them for a girl’s night and they were gobbled up within minutes. Not to mention, Elisabeth is the cutest person, so if you haven’t checked-out her social media, do so now!

2. Paris en Fleur limited edition candle:

   • This candle smells absolutely amazing, and combines the scent of fresh chypre and rose petals blended with earthy patchouli.

3. The comfiest summer dress:

   • This adorable, loose fitting dress puts a flirtatious spin on a cute, little frock for pajamas!

FREE Watercolor Supply Guide

Looking to further your skills in watercolor painting? In this condensed guide, I provide everything I use in my studio to create my watercolor paintings. This is a free 5-page downloadable PDF listing my recommended watercolor paints & brushes, palettes, and paper for all levels.

Want to know what I’m up to on the every day? Follow along on Instagram at @cocozentner_art or on my Pinterest page. I love to post what inspires me, behind the scenes of my painting process, and my pup, Maudie!

Until next time,

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To see more about what inspires CoCo, check-out her Instagram page at @cocozentner_art!