Carol Acosta
@carolacostaart.bsky.social
Traditional artist. Botanical art, pagan+fantasy art, master copies, and more. Third generation, mostly self-taught, but lover of old school methods.
https://www.carolacostaart.com/
https://www.carolacostaart.com/
Starting the weekend with a few hours of work on this small Guardian Angel icon. It just shines. Painting them is always such a delight.
Oil on canvas paper, 13 x 13,5 cms (5.1 x 5.3 inches).
#guardianangel #painting #iconograhy #spiritualart
Oil on canvas paper, 13 x 13,5 cms (5.1 x 5.3 inches).
#guardianangel #painting #iconograhy #spiritualart
December 12, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Starting the weekend with a few hours of work on this small Guardian Angel icon. It just shines. Painting them is always such a delight.
Oil on canvas paper, 13 x 13,5 cms (5.1 x 5.3 inches).
#guardianangel #painting #iconograhy #spiritualart
Oil on canvas paper, 13 x 13,5 cms (5.1 x 5.3 inches).
#guardianangel #painting #iconograhy #spiritualart
I was putting together sketches for a new icon painting, and I decided to stop and look back on my past work first. Of all the work I've ever done as an artist, here are some of my favourite pieces ever. More below! 1/
#carolacostaart #religiousart #iconography #traditionalpainting #traditionalart
#carolacostaart #religiousart #iconography #traditionalpainting #traditionalart
December 11, 2025 at 6:44 PM
I was putting together sketches for a new icon painting, and I decided to stop and look back on my past work first. Of all the work I've ever done as an artist, here are some of my favourite pieces ever. More below! 1/
#carolacostaart #religiousart #iconography #traditionalpainting #traditionalart
#carolacostaart #religiousart #iconography #traditionalpainting #traditionalart
Winter Rose (Doll Portrait Series I)
I am a small collector and customizer of antique reproduction dolls, and doing a series of paintings on them has been on my list for the longest time. 1/
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
I am a small collector and customizer of antique reproduction dolls, and doing a series of paintings on them has been on my list for the longest time. 1/
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
December 6, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Winter Rose (Doll Portrait Series I)
I am a small collector and customizer of antique reproduction dolls, and doing a series of paintings on them has been on my list for the longest time. 1/
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
I am a small collector and customizer of antique reproduction dolls, and doing a series of paintings on them has been on my list for the longest time. 1/
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
December 5, 2025 at 5:43 PM
It's been a very long week, so I'm spending my Friday doing a gouache painting of an antique doll - in case you didn't know, I have a small collection of 1/
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
December 5, 2025 at 1:29 PM
It's been a very long week, so I'm spending my Friday doing a gouache painting of an antique doll - in case you didn't know, I have a small collection of 1/
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
#gouache #gouachepainting #antiquedoll #carolacostaart #carolacosta #illustrationartist #fantasyart
Finished!
A tip to fantasy artists: the better you become at botanical / representational art, the better your fantasy art will be. 1/
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
A tip to fantasy artists: the better you become at botanical / representational art, the better your fantasy art will be. 1/
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
November 23, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Finished!
A tip to fantasy artists: the better you become at botanical / representational art, the better your fantasy art will be. 1/
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
A tip to fantasy artists: the better you become at botanical / representational art, the better your fantasy art will be. 1/
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
Having a very exciting painting session with my new set of Rosa Gouache paints from , painting one of my favourite subjects: the rose. 1/
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
November 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Having a very exciting painting session with my new set of Rosa Gouache paints from , painting one of my favourite subjects: the rose. 1/
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
#carolacostaart #gouache #gouachepainting #rosepainting #botanicalart #roseart #floralart
Yesterday's progress on my Neptune-inspired drawing. While other artists slave to the algorythm, I am in love with how slow the process of art is.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
November 21, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Yesterday's progress on my Neptune-inspired drawing. While other artists slave to the algorythm, I am in love with how slow the process of art is.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
Starting a large colour pencil drawing about Neptune – I never get tired of water themes, and I never get tired of filling A3 sheets with tiny details.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
November 20, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Starting a large colour pencil drawing about Neptune – I never get tired of water themes, and I never get tired of filling A3 sheets with tiny details.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #fabercastell #paganart #fantasyart #neptune #oceanart #mermaidart #colourpencil
These two lovely ladies have finally dried enough to be framed, in their vintage restored frames – and I could not be happier about how wonderful they look!
#carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart #pinupart #painting #botanicalart
#carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart #pinupart #painting #botanicalart
November 19, 2025 at 3:16 PM
These two lovely ladies have finally dried enough to be framed, in their vintage restored frames – and I could not be happier about how wonderful they look!
#carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart #pinupart #painting #botanicalart
#carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart #pinupart #painting #botanicalart
Goddess Arts Magazine, the publication which selected me for an online exhibition, has just published this interview with yours truly. Enjoy!
www.goddessartsmag.com/post/i-paint...
www.goddessartsmag.com/post/i-paint...
www.goddessartsmag.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Goddess Arts Magazine, the publication which selected me for an online exhibition, has just published this interview with yours truly. Enjoy!
www.goddessartsmag.com/post/i-paint...
www.goddessartsmag.com/post/i-paint...
Continuing with my pinup / mermaid series, and mixing it with some Christmas art. I am in love with this colour palette, and with the gothic-ness of this season.
#carolacostaart #traditionalpainting #acrylics #pinupart #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments #fantasyart
#carolacostaart #traditionalpainting #acrylics #pinupart #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments #fantasyart
November 8, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Continuing with my pinup / mermaid series, and mixing it with some Christmas art. I am in love with this colour palette, and with the gothic-ness of this season.
#carolacostaart #traditionalpainting #acrylics #pinupart #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments #fantasyart
#carolacostaart #traditionalpainting #acrylics #pinupart #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments #fantasyart
Every year, I do some Christmas-related art around this time of the year. It is always a very busy, but very joyful season for me, 1/
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #sketchbook #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #sketchbook #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments
November 6, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Every year, I do some Christmas-related art around this time of the year. It is always a very busy, but very joyful season for me, 1/
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #sketchbook #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #sketchbook #traditionalart #christmasart #christmasornaments
Did a Six Fanarts Challenge (original idea by @mcapriglioneart) with a Lord Of The Rings film theme – I just got on Pinterest and chose the images as I drew, 1/
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #thelordoftherings #tolkienart #fanart #lotr #sixfanartschallence #portrait
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #thelordoftherings #tolkienart #fanart #lotr #sixfanartschallence #portrait
November 2, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Did a Six Fanarts Challenge (original idea by @mcapriglioneart) with a Lord Of The Rings film theme – I just got on Pinterest and chose the images as I drew, 1/
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #thelordoftherings #tolkienart #fanart #lotr #sixfanartschallence #portrait
#carolacostaart #traditionaldrawing #thelordoftherings #tolkienart #fanart #lotr #sixfanartschallence #portrait
Jen And Kira (The Dark Crystal)
Colour pencil on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#carolacostaart #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #traditionaldrawing #thedarkcrystal #gelflings #brainfroud #fanart #wendyfroud
Colour pencil on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#carolacostaart #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #traditionaldrawing #thedarkcrystal #gelflings #brainfroud #fanart #wendyfroud
November 1, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Jen And Kira (The Dark Crystal)
Colour pencil on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#carolacostaart #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #traditionaldrawing #thedarkcrystal #gelflings #brainfroud #fanart #wendyfroud
Colour pencil on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#carolacostaart #colorpencil #fabercastellpolychromos #clairefontaine #traditionaldrawing #thedarkcrystal #gelflings #brainfroud #fanart #wendyfroud
Spheres
Today's sketch – horned creatures is probably my most repeated motifs, and if they are holding a small planet, even better.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell #hornedgod #paganart #fantasyart
Today's sketch – horned creatures is probably my most repeated motifs, and if they are holding a small planet, even better.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell #hornedgod #paganart #fantasyart
October 30, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Spheres
Today's sketch – horned creatures is probably my most repeated motifs, and if they are holding a small planet, even better.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell #hornedgod #paganart #fantasyart
Today's sketch – horned creatures is probably my most repeated motifs, and if they are holding a small planet, even better.
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell #hornedgod #paganart #fantasyart
After a conversation with another artist on IG about her gorgeous sketchbooks, I decided to give a try to small formats – and the first sketch is a study of a statue of Lord Shiva. 1/
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #LordShiva #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #LordShiva #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell
October 29, 2025 at 6:29 PM
After a conversation with another artist on IG about her gorgeous sketchbooks, I decided to give a try to small formats – and the first sketch is a study of a statue of Lord Shiva. 1/
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #LordShiva #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell
#traditionaldrawing #drawing #carolacostaart #LordShiva #sketchbook #clarefontaine #polychromos #fabercastell
Wonderful news! Three of my works have been selected for the Dark & Gloomy exhibition at Goddess Arts Magazine, and I could not be more happy and proud! Visit the virtual exhibition hall at the link below, and enjoy!
artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibitio...
artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibitio...
October 29, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Wonderful news! Three of my works have been selected for the Dark & Gloomy exhibition at Goddess Arts Magazine, and I could not be more happy and proud! Visit the virtual exhibition hall at the link below, and enjoy!
artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibitio...
artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibitio...
Actor Sam Neill as Merlin, from a promo image (1998)
Colour pencils on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#fabercastell #polychromos #clairefontaine #colourpencil #carolacostaart #drawing #traditionaldrawing #merlin #merlinminiseries #actorsamneill #samneill #portrait #portraiture #fantasyart
Colour pencils on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#fabercastell #polychromos #clairefontaine #colourpencil #carolacostaart #drawing #traditionaldrawing #merlin #merlinminiseries #actorsamneill #samneill #portrait #portraiture #fantasyart
October 28, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Actor Sam Neill as Merlin, from a promo image (1998)
Colour pencils on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#fabercastell #polychromos #clairefontaine #colourpencil #carolacostaart #drawing #traditionaldrawing #merlin #merlinminiseries #actorsamneill #samneill #portrait #portraiture #fantasyart
Colour pencils on Clairefontaine paper, A4 size. 1/
#fabercastell #polychromos #clairefontaine #colourpencil #carolacostaart #drawing #traditionaldrawing #merlin #merlinminiseries #actorsamneill #samneill #portrait #portraiture #fantasyart
My free comic inspired by Allat, the pre-islamic goddess of North Africa, is now available for free download on my website. More and new content coming soon! Get it at:
www.carolacostaart.com/pages/Comics...
www.carolacostaart.com/pages/Comics...
October 25, 2025 at 5:37 PM
My free comic inspired by Allat, the pre-islamic goddess of North Africa, is now available for free download on my website. More and new content coming soon! Get it at:
www.carolacostaart.com/pages/Comics...
www.carolacostaart.com/pages/Comics...
Artober Posts, #14
These two lovely ladies received their glazing layer yesterday, and with this post, I am closing Artober 2025. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart
These two lovely ladies received their glazing layer yesterday, and with this post, I am closing Artober 2025. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart
October 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Artober Posts, #14
These two lovely ladies received their glazing layer yesterday, and with this post, I am closing Artober 2025. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart
These two lovely ladies received their glazing layer yesterday, and with this post, I am closing Artober 2025. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart #oilpainting #mermaidart
Artober Posts, #13
Artober so far – it's been the most enjoyable of all the years I have participated in it, and a perfect celebration of my return to painting after getting eye surgery. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart
Artober so far – it's been the most enjoyable of all the years I have participated in it, and a perfect celebration of my return to painting after getting eye surgery. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart
October 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Artober Posts, #13
Artober so far – it's been the most enjoyable of all the years I have participated in it, and a perfect celebration of my return to painting after getting eye surgery. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart
Artober so far – it's been the most enjoyable of all the years I have participated in it, and a perfect celebration of my return to painting after getting eye surgery. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #traditionalart #fantasyart
Artober Posts, #12
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Dark Moon · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart #artnouveau
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Dark Moon · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart #artnouveau
October 22, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Artober Posts, #12
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Dark Moon · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart #artnouveau
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Dark Moon · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart #artnouveau
Artober posts, #11
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
The Fisherman · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
The Fisherman · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart
October 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Artober posts, #11
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
The Fisherman · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
The Fisherman · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4. 1/
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #traditionalart #fantasyart
Artober posts, #10
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Fantasy IV · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4.
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #pinupart #traditionalart #fantasyart #mermaidart #tropicalart
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Fantasy IV · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4.
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #pinupart #traditionalart #fantasyart #mermaidart #tropicalart
October 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Artober posts, #10
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Fantasy IV · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4.
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #pinupart #traditionalart #fantasyart #mermaidart #tropicalart
Theme accross the month: Worlds Of Fantasy
Fantasy IV · Colour pencil on sketchbook paper, A4.
#artober2025 #paintober2025 #artober #paintober #carolacostaart #fabercastell #royaltalens #pinupart #traditionalart #fantasyart #mermaidart #tropicalart