"Morning Star" - Louis Sebastian

The artist is currently incarcerated in Colorado. He specializes in abstract or science-based paintings, Jackson Pollock's style.

All original artworks are created by artists previously or currently incarcerated. They use whichever materials they have access to, and prove creative ingenuity beyond the norm. These original paintings and drawings are born in the heart of a prison cell, from the hands of an outsider artist to adorn the walls of your space. Each art piece is a one-of-a-kind that not only enhances your interior but also makes you actively participate in reforming the prison and criminal justice system.

The incarcerated artist receives 50% of the sales proceeds. The artists set their own prices based on the costs of materials (it can vary greatly from one facility to another), the time spent on the piece, their experience, and simply - what they think it’s worth. Alongside with offering a financial outlet, we aim to empower their confidence and reinstitute their status as human beings - not a number behind bars. For most, art is an escape, a path to self-discovery and healing. Through art, they can reconnect with society so the gap is not so unbridgeable when they get out. Through the sales, they can stay connected with their families, afford daily commissary items, pay societal debts, relieve the economic burden on their loved ones, and save up for the release date. So they have the financial means to get ahead of reinsertion and get a fair chance at that second chance.

9" x 9" / panel | Acrylic on Watercolor paper

My name is Louis Sebastian and I am currently serving a life sentence for a first degree murder in Colorado. I was interested in art from my teenage years, but I was not able to actualize my interest into producing pieces until I was incarcerated. I was born in Pittsburgh, PA live briefly in Kentucky, and moved to Colorado about 8 years ago. I had never been in trouble before the incident that led me to my arrest, not even a parking ticket. Needless to say, prison has been a very different experience for me. On the outside, I lived what most people would consider a normal and unremarkable life. I am a college graduate. I ran a small business and held a professional job. My hobbies were backpacking, rock climbing, skating, listening to music and growing. On the yard many things have changed for me, but I continue to remain active as I fight my appeal. I prefer modern art, my favorite painters are Alex Grey, Salvador Dali, Vincent Von Gogh, Egon Schiele, and Jackson Pollock. My favorite classical artists are Michelangelo for his unrivaled grasp of the human form and Jan Van Eyck because he was the first person to truly master realism way back in the 1400’s. In prison, I work mainly with watercolor, but I also utilize acrylic and graphite. I produce all of my work on the best quality papers available to us, such as Bristol board, watercolor paper, and well made sketch pads. I don’t feel comfortable asking people to pay for art on printer paper. I produce a wide variety of style and subject matter, but my favorite are: - Watercolor Portraits: Both realism and abstract, but I prefer abstract. I often depict public personalities such as movie stars and musicians. - Abstract Expressionism: Sometimes in watercolor, often in acrylic. I like to create vibrant pieces with electric colors and lots of splatter elements. I frequently create multi-panel abstract pieces such as quadra-tyches and irregular layouts. - Nude Figure Sketching in Graphite: I enjoy sketching in the Renaissance style and prefer to use my fingers instead of shaders. I like figure sketching because it’s a very difficult discipline that hones my drafting abilities. .