My Artistic Influences: From France to California

By Sebastien Montel

Art is always shaped by place. As a French artist working in both Los Angeles and Palm Springs, my influences stretch across continents, from the European traditions I grew up with to the expansive landscapes of California that continue to shape my vision today.

Roots in France

Growing up in France, I was surrounded by art that carried centuries of history. Museums, galleries, and even the architecture of daily life revealed the weight of culture and the refinement of detail. This background gave me an early appreciation for emotional nuance and the philosophical depth often present in psychological art.

Expressionist Inspirations

As an expressionist artist, I’ve drawn inspiration from movements that valued distortion, intensity, and emotional truth over realism. These influences continue to shape how I work today, allowing me to push beyond appearance and focus instead on what lies beneath.

California’s Influence

California, by contrast, offers space, both literal and psychological. The light in Palm Springs creates shifting tones that influence my palette. Los Angeles offers scale, diversity, and contradiction, feeding into my explorations of contemporary art and the paradoxes of human connection.

Blending Worlds

Through mixed media art, layering oil, pencil, and fragments of newspaper, I merge these influences into one language. France gave me the weight of history and reflection; California gives me light, energy, and openness. Together, they shape a practice rooted in both tradition and experimentation.