I’m excited to be launching my new Q&A series with renowned painter and decorative artist Caroline Lizarraga. Based in northern California, Caroline just debuted her  first collection of wallpaper for Parete. Not only do I love— and covet—her painterly skills, but her charm and humor (wallpaper names include “I Lost My Marbles, “Plastered,” and “String-of-Pearls”) is totally disarming. Let’s talk…

Caroline, your walls, ceilings, and floors are incredible! What was your first large scale project and how did you tackle the technique needed?

 Oh gosh, you are taking me back. Right off the bat, I was hired to do a very large bedroom about 1000 sq ft… for just starting out that was a lot. The technique I used was a finish that looks like a fresco but it was actually casein, which is a milk paint. The beauty of it is that you are able to move and manipulate it until its sealed, so you aren’t on a time crunch. A lot of techniques I do dry very quickly and you can’t go back and fix. It was inspired from the walls of Pompeii. The client cried when she saw it (a good cry!!!). Early on when you start painting,  it’s a good idea to use techniques that allow you to make mistakes that you can fix.

I am fascinated that you went to Florence, Italy to learn your craft. Clearly, Italy has the most romantic and inspiring frescos and murals in the world. How old were you when you knew this was your calling?

After I graduated from high school, I saved all my money and took my first trip to Europe, Italy being part of that. I remember arriving there and thinking this is home. I just loved everything about it. Especially all the finishes in the churches, the doors and buildings.

But at that point, I really how no idea my job existed. A few years later, I walked in a decorative painting studio in San Francisco for the first time and it was like falling in love. I couldn’t believe this existed. I really thought, "how did I live without knowing about this?" I gave up all other arts at that moment and started focusing and dedicating everything I could to learning this craft. I had no choice almost, it chose me.

Tell me how it works when a client commissions you. They must have an idea of what they want… what comes first—their notes or your inspirations? 

Well, it comes it different ways. Some clients, particularly designers sometimes have a very clear vision of what they want. Or they have been dreaming up an idea and know that we can make the dream come true. So, we work together to conceptualize the idea to reality. But my favorite way to work are these few words..."what do you want to do?" Which lucky for me this happens often. I really take everything in though...the location, the palette surrounding, the people, the lifestyle. I firmly believe the house or space has a soul so it helps determine what will happen on the walls.

It’s a very interactive experience. We test a lot of ideas. Ultimately, I am always after a feeling. My first question is "how do you want to feel in your space" and this determines so much. If you want moody and drama verses bright and fresh you can already imagine how different these ideas are. Once we go through concept, then samples get tested in my studio and when we all agree then it goes to the wall.

It’s just a perfect natural progression for you to launch a wallpaper line! How exciting to be partnering with Parete Walls. How did you choose which “finishes” and styles to use for your first rolls?

I had been thinking about wallpaper for a while mostly because everyone kept saying when are you going to do wallpaper?!! I decided the best way to approach this was to design concepts that were really just too complicated for me to paint on walls. I of course can do them, but they are honestly so time consuming only a handful of people would be able to afford them. This way more people can enjoy them.

Also, I was obsessed to get complex color palettes that not everyone would think about. I have had a lot of people say I would never think about those colors together but I love it, and that was my goal!

I discovered you when I saw the painted malachite wall you created in one of your projects and about died. Of course, my jewelry—like the Landscape Collection—is 100% driven by the “images” I see in a gem, so I’m interested in whether this is an ongoing inspiration for you, as well.

Jewelry is on the forefront on my mind always. Trust me, I have a jewelry wallpaper collection I’m thinking about! The reality for me is that I am just always inspired. Beauty is everywhere and since I am very texturally-focused, that could mean a shell, tree bark, the way a cloud is passing in the sky. I think in walls. My friends laugh because someone will show me something and I always say "that would be the most incredible wall.”

From all the travel, and the world I live in, I am never lacking  inspiration. At all times I have hundreds of ideas I want to test. I don’t have enough time to get to all of them.

Spoiler alert—I’ll be joining you in Italy this May to learn your painting techniques—can you share a sneak peek at what you’ll be presenting?

Well, in the past with Curiosare, I always put focus on learning to paint stones and marble. Italy has so many great examples, especially in the Churches. The next time you go into a church, look at what you think is marble, and I promise you most of it was painted. BUT… I want to give everyone freedom this year. So, we will play with everything... gilding, plaster, waxes, pattern. I want everyone to determine what they want to learn. I am excited to share all my little tips.

We also will be learning from other craftsmen in the area, such as ceramicists, sculptors and chef....

It is a trip for the senses!

ABOUT CAROLINE:

Caroline is happiest working in Old World ways with her hands permanently covered in plaster and paint. With over twenty years of experience, you will find her working for some of the nation’s most in-demand interior designers, coast to coast.

Caroline started her education in fashion design but was unsure that was the right path. Eventually, she changed course and studied in a furniture restoration program in Florence before moving back to San Francisco to apprentice under a local decorative artist. She trained for and honed her craft in the cobblestoned streets of Florence, Italy, and continues to bring that old-fashioned sensibility to all of her projects today. Caroline describes her relationship with decorative painting as akin to falling in love.

"I have always had my hands in some kind of arts. I took classes in ceramics and jewelry making. You name it. When I finally discovered decorative painting, I knew I had to abandon all other arts so I could focus on that. It was like falling in love. It felt like the perfect match for me."

No two jobs are ever alike. Caroline is on every job site, working with each client and applying every layer of color and detailing solely by hand. She is passionate about creating exceptional interior environments and helping her clients find and express their distinctive styles. Whether it’s a boutique hotel in Napa Valley, an expansive winery estate, or a private residence, her approach is always the same: create a completely authentic and magically artful space.

Visit: www.carolinelizarraga.com