DISCOVER THE WORLD OF CELADON STUDIO
It’s daybreak on an eternally sunny California day. Converse sneakers perch upon a ladder. Colorful brushes are soaking in water. A Santal 26 candle illuminates the studio and burns bright. A flurry of hands, blue paint and brushwork create a vibrant patch of cerulean sky on a large canvas. Somewhere a song is playing in the distance and the lyrics go… “California breeze makes me feel fine, blowing like the jasmine through my mind.”
Welcome to the magical world of Celadon Studio where every moment is dedicated to perfecting the fine art of mural making. Founded in 2004, Celadon Studio was created by muralist, artist, and dreamer extraordinaire, Nichole Blackburn, born from a deep passion to share her imagination through painting.
Celadon Studio asks, why live in just one world when art offers a universe? Nichole’s work conjures visions of far-flung destinations that you won’t need a map to find. She will make your walls whisper of liquid marble, earthy parchment, atmospheric landscapes and mesmerizing murals. Her ceilings will take you to places where imagination rules supreme. Let’s dream together.
You'll find Nichole on every job site always at ease among the endless paint, palettes, ladders and brushes. Nichole works meticulously on every painting, layering colors and refining every detail. She creates everything by hand, happiest when designing vibrant pieces that transform blank spaces into experiences.
For over 20 years Celadon Studio has made a solid reputation as a leading boutique, fine art studio specializing in bespoke murals, custom canvas work and hand-painted children’s spaces. Celadon Studio offers the perfect combination of professionalism, imagination and quality art. At Celadon Studio color is always encouraged. Brainstorms are a daily ritual. Projects are seen in super vision. Now, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your masterpiece.
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
NICHOLE BLACKBURN
Creativity is my heartbeat. With hands flecked with plaster and paint streaks in my hair, I am happiest working in Old World techniques infused with a New World vision. I’ve gained inspiration from exploring over 40 countries, studying with some of the industry’s top artists and collaborating with clients from different backgrounds in order to create dazzling masterpieces that transform a space into an experience.
Los Angeles is my city. Redondo Beach is my hometown. Art is everywhere. I find my inspiration from the dynamic street art of Venice Beach, the graffiti grit of downtown LA, the vibrant Arts District and the endless Pacific Ocean. This dreamy, daring and delicious atmosphere is the perfect place for an artist like me.
My artistic journey began in my early teens when I won a scholarship to attend the Young Artist’s Program at the Otis Art Center in Los Angeles. I went on to earn a B.A. in Fine Art and Design from San Diego State University where I started painting my first murals for any friends with blank walls. After receiving my degree, I continued to cultivate my formal training by studying with some of the best muralists in the world to maintain my creative edge. Eventually, my affinity for Old World art brought me to the cobblestone streets of Versailles, France where I lived and studied classical decorative painting under Jean Sablé, one of Europe’s most acclaimed painters today.
I pride myself on diversifying my art. My artistic trademark blends classical training with contemporary designs. To execute unique pieces for each client, I become both muse and muralist, using my artistic eye to guide the design and create each tour-de-force.
When I am not in the studio, you’ll find me working with Big Sky Countries, my non-profit dedicated to creating murals for youth centers in need around the world.
The world is my playground. Not only do I serve Southern California, but I love to travel for stateside and international clients.
THE PROCESS
My process starts with a proper brainstorm. I listen. I plot. I plan.
Then I create a visual collage using inspirational photos, fabric samples and color palettes to explore our design ideas. I continue with preliminary sketches to capture our vision.
Before I begin, I’ll provide you with hand-painted samples for a textured experience. Once the final design is approved, I’ll head to the job site to create the masterpiece.
I culminate the project with final touches and highlights for added depth. The piece is finally completed with the clients approval.
I closely collaborate with each client every step of the way.
Each piece is custom painted with only you in mind.
NOTABLE FEATURES
“No matter where we come from, we are all under the same sky.”
BIG SKY COUNTRIES
Since giving back is a priority, I launched Big Sky Countries as a platform to help children through art. Big Sky Countries 501(c)(3) is my non-profit whose mission is to donate large scale murals to elementary schools, special needs facilities, orphanages, hospitals and youth centers around the world. We aim to spread joy through art. Murals remind us that there is a big, bright world beyond every wall. Since 2006, I have been honored to donate murals to children’s facilities in Thailand, Ireland, the Philippines, Bolivia, New Orleans, Atlanta, Costa Rica, Newtown, New Jersey, Ecuador, Sri Lanka and throughout Los Angeles. To inspire each person’s inner artist, the children and faculty members are encouraged to paint alongside me. Art is for everyone.
THE CREATIVE JOURNEY OF CELADON STUDIO: VIDEOS OF RECENT WORK
Video By Creative Deviants
Video footage by Klein Creative. Editing by Brett Borgard.