Stephen Kasun -- Contemporary Artist

After relocating to Florida (and then Savannah, GA) from Ohio in 2000, my artistic vision and the direction of my paintings changed. The sun, and outdoors in general, took the focus rather than the figure. Light and shadow as found in nature became a more interesting thing to study, offering a different and more exciting way to approach each painting.

Still using oil paint, I began experimenting more with painting knives. The advantages of the knife are many. They force a direct and loose style. The impastoed surface of the paint itself will reflect a more pure color. The paint strokes are more expressive and deliberate. All these things amount to a much more lively and energetic painting.

I paint using palette knives and thick oil paints, because it is the combination that is most expressive of my personal vision and tastes. My subject matter can be anything--as long as it’s about mood and light. My direct, deliberate approach requires a lot of pre-mixing my colors and doing most of the "thinking" on my mixing plate. Each paint stroke is carefully considered beforehand.

Working wet-into-wet means the corrections I might need to make have to be scraped and attempted again while the paint is still wet. This process is both frustrating and very exciting for me--the challenge keeps me coming back every day. I strive to let that energy shine through the works as a testament to my dedication to painting.

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1975 and currently live in Savannah, Georgia. I received my art education from the Art Academy of Cincinnati and Memphis College of Art. I am represented by many art galleries, including Chasen Galleries in Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC and the Whitney Gallery in Savannah, GA. My work has been featured in such publications as American Artist Magazine, Maxtalk Magazine, Encyclopedia of Living Artists, and New Art International.