FAQs
The things people ask us most, answered plainly. If anything is still unclear, write to — the two of us are happy to answer.
The work and the technique
1What is a photographic relief in plaster?
It is a hand-modelled plaster work on canvas, with relief of real depth. The image is part of the plaster, not on top of it.
2 Is it a photograph printed on plaster?
Nothing is printed or glued on top. The image becomes part of the plaster itself: there is no paper, no film, no layer you can see or feel when you run your hand across it. Nor does it come out of a printer: it is transferred by hand, piece by piece.
3 Is it a painting or a photograph?
Neither, although from across the room it looks like a painting, and we like that: plaster laid with a spatula has the body of an impasto. The difference is the colour, which does not come from a brush. We start from a photograph of our own and rework it until it stops describing what was there and starts saying what we feel, removing the obvious so the essential can emerge. That is the colour you see.
4Is it digital art, or a print?
It is neither. The computer is one more tool, like the camera or the spatula. The work does not live on a screen and cannot be printed again: it exists once, in plaster, and it has weight.
5Are the artworks one of a kind, or limited editions?
Every work is one of a kind, and it is so by decision, not by accident. We do not make limited or numbered editions. We could reuse the same image, rework it and start again; we have decided not to. Each image is transferred once and only once, the file is archived and never opened again. There are no copies and no second version.
6What is textured plaster art made of?
Wall works are photographic relief in plaster on canvas. Sculptures are photographic sculpture in modelled clay. All pieces are given a final protective finish.
7 Do the artworks come signed and with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, both. Each piece is hand-signed by both of us on the back, and comes with its numbered certificate of authenticity, stating the title, dimensions, year and our guarantee that the image will never be used again.
8How do you clean and care for a plaster artwork?
With a soft, dry brush for dust, and little else. It can hang in direct sunlight — we have tested this and it is unaffected under normal indoor conditions. Because the surface is textured and delicate, handle it with clean, dry hands and avoid rubbing the plaster. Keep it away from damp, splashes and busy areas where it could be knocked.
9Do the artworks come framed?
No, we ship unframed. Wall works are on canvas and hang as they are, which is how we intend them. If you would still like to frame yours, write to us and we will advise.
Buying a work
1What payment methods do you accept?
Credit and debit card, Klarna, PayPal and bank transfer. Depending on your device, also Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payment is processed securely and we never see or store your card details.
2Can I return an artwork bought online?
Yes, wherever you live. You have 14 calendar days from receiving the work to withdraw from your purchase, without giving a reason. Email us at info@cobelio.com with your order number within that period. The work must come back in its original condition and, if possible, its original packaging; the cost of return shipping is yours. Contact us first and we will help you pack it as safely as possible. Full details in our returns policy.
3Can I commission a custom artwork?
Yes, for homes and for corporate spaces. Write to info@cobelio.com with your idea, the size and where it would go, and we will discuss feasibility and timing. Please note that works made to your specifications are excluded from the right of withdrawal; we will always make that clear before confirming anything.
Shipping and delivery
1Is shipping free? Do you ship worldwide?
Shipping is free worldwide — the cost is already included in the price of the work. We ship from Barcelona to any country, and at checkout you will see €0 shipping.
2 How long does it take for an artwork to arrive?
Within mainland Spain, 2 to 4 business days. Elsewhere, between 4 and 20 depending on the destination. Add the 1-3 business days we take to prepare and pack the piece by hand — we do not send it out until it is properly protected.
| Destination | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Mainland Spain | 2-4 business days |
| Balearic Islands | 3-5 business days |
| Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla | 7-12 business days |
| European Union | 4-8 business days |
| Rest of Europe (UK, Switzerland, Norway…) | 7-12 business days |
| United States and Canada | 7-14 business days |
| Rest of the world | 10-20 business days |
These are carrier estimates and start counting when the parcel leaves our studio. They may vary for reasons outside our control, above all customs formalities. The Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla have their own customs regime even though they are Spanish territory, which is why they take longer than the mainland.
3How is an artwork packaged for shipping?
Each piece travels protected with rigid cardboard and cushioning material, unframed. Whenever we can we use lower-impact materials, but the priority is that the work arrives intact.
4Can I track my order?
Yes. All orders ship with tracking. When the parcel leaves us you will receive an email with the tracking number and the estimated delivery date.
5What happens if my artwork arrives damaged or broken?
We sort it out, at no cost to you. Tell us within 48 hours at info@cobelio.com. Before anything else, photograph the outer box, the inner packaging and the piece, and keep all the packaging until we tell you how to proceed. All shipments are insured: depending on the case and your preference, we repair it, replace it with another work of equal value, or refund you in full.
6What happens if I am not at home when it arrives?
The carrier will usually leave the parcel at a nearby pickup point and notify you where it is. They normally hold it for 7 business days. If it is not collected within that time the parcel comes back to us, and a second delivery attempt is at the buyer's expense.
7Do I have to pay customs or import duties outside the European Union?
Possibly, depending on the country. Outside the EU, local taxes and import duties may apply. They are not included in our prices and are collected by the carrier or the local authorities. If a parcel is refused or unclaimed because those charges were not paid, additional costs may arise.
About COBELIO
1Who is behind COBELIO?
We are Teresa Marco and Jose Viciana, a couple of artists working from a studio in Barcelona. We make the works ourselves, from start to finish: the photograph, the plaster modelling, the transfer and the final polishing.
2 Is your packaging sustainable?
We try. We reduce waste and unnecessary packaging wherever we can, without risking the work arriving damaged. It is a balance we keep adjusting.
