Telling your Creativity Story
When the Makeup Brush Became a Paint Brush
Like many, I found myself suddenly disconnected from my normal routines during lockdown. After 30 years making others beautiful as a makeup artist—a career I genuinely loved—all my professional outlets vanished overnight.
The blank canvas stared back at me, both terrifying and full of possibility. When Art House Jersey issued their 30-day creative challenge, I tentatively picked up art supplies for the first time since my teenage years. What was meant to be a simple way to pass time soon ignited something I hadn't felt in decades.
My first attempts were hesitant, rushed, and filled with self-criticism. I felt oddly guilty taking time for something so "unproductive." I worried about wasting materials and compared my work unfavorably to others. My inner critic was relentless: "You're not a real artist. This has no value. You should be doing something more useful."
I tried everything—pouring paints where I had no control over the outcome, pointillism, oils—and my relentless attempts to paint the perfect face took me nearly 5 years to get the features all in the right proportion.
The breakthrough came unexpectedly. When I stopped trying and just did, when I gave myself permission just to sit and paint without expectation—that's when everything changed. The process itself became my sanctuary from anxiety, a bubble where I could express myself without judgment.
This journey from self-doubt to creative freedom is what I now share with others at Cayssalie.
Freedom in Motion: My Artistic Philosophy
My work celebrates liberation from artistic judgment—an approach that transforms the act of creation itself. I weave color theory and composition principles from my three decades as a makeup artist into pieces that speak through vibrant hues, tactile textures, and dynamic movement.
The moment of breakthrough always comes when I surrender control. That lightning moment happens not through forcing an outcome, but through release. The second I feel frustration building or find myself going over and over the same section, I set down my brush and walk away. This is my signal that I'm trying to control rather than create.
There must be freedom in both brush and motion—a dance between intention and spontaneity. This philosophy directly inspired the "Unleash Your Creativity" retreat at Cayssalie. I designed these experiences specifically to share this level of creative permission with others who may have long silenced their artistic voice.
Why not paint what you want? If it brings you joy and makes your heart sing, that's what matters. Not external validation, not technical perfection, not marketability—just the pure pleasure of making your mark in a way that feels authentically yours.
This approach transforms not just the canvas, but the artist as well.
Atlantic Rhythms
The Galician Islands Collection
Immerse yourself in the hypnotic beauty of Spain's Atlantic jewels through this collection inspired by the stunning Galician Islands of Vigo. Each piece captures the ever-changing relationship between sea and shore—the gentle pulse of tides, the dramatic transformation of light across water, and the infinite horizon where ocean meets sky.
Created during an inspirational visit in April 2025, these works reflect both the serene tranquility and raw power of this extraordinary coastal landscape. From the golden glow of sunset washing over rocky shores to the mysterious depths of twilight waters, each painting invites viewers to experience the meditative quality of these remote Atlantic havens.
What fascinates me most about these islands is how quickly the scene transforms with changing tides and light—an embodiment of impermanence that reminds us to appreciate beauty in its fleeting moments. This collection represents my surrender to the natural rhythms that govern these islands, allowing the essence of place to guide each brushstroke.
Where Makeup Meets Canvas: Pop Art Pointillism
Three decades of makeup artistry inform these vibrant pointillist works, where thousands of precise dots create images that honour both cosmetic precision and artistic freedom. Drawing from my beauty career and LGBTQ collaborations, this collection transforms the meticulous techniques of makeup application into bold artistic statements.
The collection features three distinct series:
Lip Studies: Exploring the mouth as both storyteller and secret-keeper
Feline Grace: Capturing cats' mysterious elegance through carefully placed colour points
Power in Motion: Conveying the dynamic energy of horses through pointillist technique
These pieces challenge the divide between "beauty work" and "fine art," revealing their shared foundations in colour theory, spatial awareness, and transformative vision. Through this unexpected fusion, I celebrate expression that defies conventional boundaries and embraces authentic identity.
Available Artwork & Commissions
Explore my current collection of original artwork in the Cayssalie Store. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity and ships worldwide in secure, professional packaging.
Featured Collections:
Atlantic Treasures: Galicia Islands series
Where Makeup Meets Canvas: Pop Art Pointillism
French Countryside Impressions
Prices range from €150 for small works to €450 for larger statement pieces. Limited edition prints of select works are also available starting at €75.
Commission Your Custom Artwork
Transform your space with a custom piece that speaks to your aesthetic and story. Commission options include:
Personal Portraits - Contemporary interpretations that capture the essence rather than mere likeness. Location-Inspired Works - Based on places with special meaning to you. Abstract Expressions - Customised colour palettes to complement your space
The commission process includes:
Initial consultation to discuss vision, style, and space
Proposal with concept sketches and pricing (starting at €300)
Progress updates throughout creation
Delivery of finished artwork with a certificate of authenticity
Ideal for: Meaningful gifts, commemorating special occasions, enhancing specific spaces in your home or office.
Contact me at art@cayssalie.com to discuss your custom piece or shop available works in our store.
"Art isn't about replicating what already exists—it's about giving form to what wants to emerge through you."