Two sisters, two artists, two visions.
Paloma and Sabrina El Costell have been painting together their entire lives, which is only natural as they come from a family of acclaimed artists stretching back generations. Born in New York and growing up in Montclair, New Jersey, they each came to Maine by different paths — but now, they live within minutes of one another and are as happy collaborating today as they were decades ago. Together, they owned a gallery in downtown Gardiner for several years, where they quickly became known for providing exhibitions that celebrate the two women’s unique visions, promoting new local art, and offering engaging community events.
The young Costells working in plein air, c.1970
On painting Maine landscapes together:
“We can be at the exact same spot, walking the same path, but her glance to the left and mine to the right make all the difference in our artwork.”
A lifelong painter and multimedia artist, El’s cerebral, gorgeously executed pieces are a style she calls Abstract Realism — a perspective that challenges normal expectations of beauty and art. The result is art that invites engagement and, ideally, enlightenment:
“I want people to come up with their own interpretations.”
A graphic designer and illustrator by trade, Paloma is a self-taught painter. Working in oils and pastels, she creates beautiful and evocative scenes ranging from the mills of Lewiston to rocky coastlines, working harbors, and rolling blueberry fields.
