My current paintings document solitary moments and structures within the public space. These images are a quiet celebration of the mundane and ephemeral environments we pass by on our streets every day. I am motivated by a desire to capture the signs, structures, and characters that may not exist tomorrow. Many of my subjects are torn down, replaced, or otherwise altered within months of a painting’s creation.
I begin my process by photographing and sketching subjects on site. These references allow me to develop detailed gouache and watercolor paintings in the studio. By isolating my subjects on the page I remove the real-world distractions that often cause these subjects to go unnoticed. My intent is to record these mundane and often liminal subjects that surround us and document their existence through the language of painting.
Watercolor, acrylic, ink, gouache, and graphite on watercolor paper.
Watercolor, acrylic, ink, and graphite on watercolor paper.
12 x 12 inches
Kasten displays work in both solo and group exhibitions across the US. If you wish to be notified about any future exhibitions contact studiokasten@gmail.com.
Title wall painting for an exhibition at the Clinton Presidential Center. Watercolor, ink, and gouache on primed canvas.
A selection of student work from Basic Drawing, Advanced Studio Drawing, Painting, Illustration, and Advanced Studio Design.
Students studied Urban Sketching and the French history of Reportage Illustration during this eleven day immersive trip. Our journey began Paris and then we traveled to the southern cities of Albi and Angoulême. Students created drawings on site and recorded their experience in illustrated journals.