Window painter decorates local businesses for Christmas and more

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Downtown Kokomo is covered in festive window paintings. For some, it's part of a friendly competition fronted by the Chamber of Commerce. For others, it's a reason to enjoy the Christmas season. For Courtney Sylvester, it's a business opportunity.

Working as Coco's Painted Windows, she just started painting professionally this fall and immediately landed eight painting projects. Much of her work is featured on the storefront windows in downtown Kokomo, but she recently completed an array of Christmas ornaments on the windows at Moore's Home Health Care.

"I started just trying to make some extra money at the holidays," said Sylvester. "My best friend does this where she lives. I asked her, 'Do you think I could do it?' and she taught me.

“She gave me every type of trick she had. I didn't have to work through all the quirks that she had to because I had her help."

Sylvester had more help than learning technique from her friend. She also derived her business name from their friendship.

"She calls me Coco, so I called my business Coco's Painted Windows," said Sylvester.

A festive holiday scene doesn't just appear on windows like magic. The painting process takes a bit longer than one might expect due to the technique Sylvester employs. Rather than simply painting a design onto the window in a single session, she begins by applying a background of white, effectively creating a canvas to receive the design.

She returns after the base has dried and applies the colors that make up the bulk of each painting, but even then, the work isn't complete. She returns to the designs a third time after the paint has dried and applies a black outline to provide the dimension and depth needed to complete each painting.

"It takes a lot longer, but the paintings really stand up, even in the weather," said Sylvester.

The end result is a design that endures the cold and snow, maybe even a bit better than she does.

"I am absolutely having a blast, but the cold is getting to be a little less fun," Sylvester said with a laugh.

The endurance of the paintings is remarkable. They don't come off the windows easily. It takes a little Windex and a lot of elbow grease, she said, to take down the designs. That is why she offers removal as part of her service.

"It makes a big mess that you really have to work to clean up," said Sylvester. "But it's worth it because they're so fun. I have people messaging me, saying how happy it makes them to see how colorful they are. Their kids just love them."

The Christmas season is moving along quickly, and Sylvester knows there isn't much time to add projects to her schedule. But Coco's Window Painting won't close up shop with Santa's arrival. This is a year-round business she intends to pursue. Already, Sylvester envisions offering window painting to businesses for sales, messaging, and other holidays. She is as adept at lettering as she is at Christmas ornaments. Her skill translates well.

Coco's Painted Windows maintains a Facebook page as well as an Instagram page where potential clients and aficionados can review her work. To schedule a consultation for her services, Sylvester can be reached by emailing cocospaintedwindows@gmail.com or by calling 765-274-6324.