About Christianson Lee Studios Fine Decorative Painting

Christianson Lee Studios specializes in fine decorative painting with a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship on every project. Originally founded in New York City as a partnership by principals Nels Christianson and Eva Lee in 1987, and later incorporated in 1996, Christianson Lee Studios is known for extensive experience, highly skilled artists, innovative style, creativity, and distinguishing detail.

In addition to offering Old World European finishes, the firm invents new finishes to suit contemporary as well as traditional décors. Clients include prominent interior designers, architects, decorators, art consultants, and private individuals. Christianson Lee Studios projects have appeared in noted publications such as Architectural Digest, The World of Interiors, The New York Times, House Beautiful, House & Garden, and Interior Design Magazine. Regular participation in designer show houses include the renowned Kips Bay Decorator Show House in the years 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2007, and 2009.

Recognized for consistent quality and service, Christianson Lee Studios is an American Society of Interior Design Industry Partner and member of Society of Gilders. The company offers woodgraining, marbling, Venetian plaster, Kolcaustico finishes, murals, trompe l’oeil, glazing, stenciling, painted furniture, architectural gilding, carved glass, reverse painting, and custom antiqued mirror uniquely developed by the Studio for an unparalleled look of aged authenticity. For more detailed descriptions, please visit the Glossary section.

A special gilding service is verre églomisé, an ancient technique of applying gold leaf designs on the reverse side of glass, producing exceptionally rich and jewel-like results. The firm was awarded The Most Distinguished Verre Eglomisé 2005 by Sepp Leaf Products for the large scale murals designed and created for Cunard’s celebrated luxury liner, the Queen Mary 2. Industry respect led to an invitation by The Smithsonian Associates and Society of Gilders to present a slide lecture on this project as part of "Verre Eglomisé: New Approaches to an Ancient Technique" at The Smithsonian Institute in the Fall of 2006.

About the Principals:

	Nels Christianson received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI (1981). He lived and worked in Paris from 1983 to 1985 as a consultant at the Mayflower Interior Design Company. He went on to study at the renowned Van der Kelen School of Decorative Arts in Brussels, Belgium (1986), receiving its highest honor of the Van der Kelen Gold Medal of Excellence for Decorative Painting.
	Eva Lee studied painting at Bard College in Annandale, NY, where she received her Bachelor of Arts (1987). She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from Hunter College in New York City (2000). Awards include fellowships from the Connecticut Commission on the Arts (2002, 2010); The MacDowell Colony (2004, 2006, 2008); and the Asian Cultural Council (2010.) She exhibits regularly at national galleries and museums. For further information visit www.evaleestudio.com.
	Benjamin Lai studied interior architecture at the School of Visual Arts in New York City (1990-1994). He went on to study decorative painting at the renowned Van der Kelen School of Decorative Arts in Brussels, Belgium (1995), rejoining the company as Senior Associate.