Art on Screen: How My Paintings Enter Television and Film

By Sebastien Montel

One of the unexpected journeys of my work has been its life on screen. As a French artist based in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, my paintings have appeared in television shows, films, and commercials through my long-standing partnership with a Los Angeles gallery specializing in set design rentals.

The Tormented on Screen

My painting The Tormented has become my most-rented piece, appearing in productions such as American Horror Stories (20th Century), Atypical (Netflix), How I Met Your Father (20th Century), and Shrinking (Apple TV). Often chosen for scenes exploring emotional struggle or existential conflict, the piece reinforces how expressionist art can heighten mood and meaning beyond words.

Why Art Matters in Storytelling

Art in film and television is not just decoration. It is orchestrated to enhance a story’s emotional weight, set the tone of a scene, or reflect a character’s inner life. My work often falls within the realm of emotional art and psychological art, making it a natural fit for narrative-driven productions.

Beyond The Screen

Other works, such as Conversation Sur Un Banc (Criminal Minds, ABC), Man in the Shadow (New Girl, 20th Century), and The Bassist (Bloodline, Netflix), have also been selected for their ability to create atmosphere. These placements affirm the belief that contemporary art can live in multiple contexts, on gallery walls, in homes, and on screens.

A Dialogue Between Mediums

For me, art on screen is an extension of my practice. Through mixed media art, I layer surfaces with emotion, memory, and tension; on screen, these qualities become part of larger stories, reaching audiences in unexpected ways.