Approaching Noise (in progress), Oil on Wood, 40×34 inches

Lucas at 3 Months, Graphite on Bristol

Head Study, Oil on Wood, 18×14 inches

Artist Statement

As an expression of his own calculated observation and visual consumption of surrounding environment, introspective glimpses of reality imbue the art of David Jon Kassan. By immersing himself into his subject matter, Kassan is able to infuse his painting with life and realism. Kassan’s direction of realism follows the philosophies emplyed by the Ashcan School of American Realists. Kassan’s influences are varied; citing Robert Henri and John Sloan as his primary influences on philosophy and subject matter. As for style and technique he cites Antonio Lopez Garcia, Mark Rothko, Franz Kline and Clyfford Still as influences as well.

Website

http://davidkassan.com/

Wedding, acrylic on canvas, 18×18″

Sid, acrylic on canvas, 16×8″

McCarren Park, acrylic on canvas, 18×18″

Dawn, casein and acrylic on canvas, 8×10″

Artist Biography

I paint because I feel I must urgently create a record. I am cataloging the significant people and scenes in my life. I am consumed by the idea that I have a limited time to express myself, or that I will not remember things the way they are now.

The subjects of my current work are the people in my community. I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and my friends and neighbors are glamorous, interesting and engaging. There is palpable electricity in my world and I want to capture it indelibly.

I paint on canvas using acrylics, casein, mica and gold leaf. I am fascinated with the way the Baroque painters captured extreme contrasts between light and dark using golds and blacks. I am working toward this goal with modern neon, pearl, metallic and mica colors.

I am self taught.

Website

http://www.vanessawatts.com