Enjoy this collection of paintings by artist Kathryn Gastelum, who infuses a distinctive style and color palette into her work. Learn more by visiting her website.
“Higher Ground” oil and cold wax on canvas, 24” x 36”
The intriguing desert Southwest and the expansive, stunning sunsets have always been inspirational to me. I’m an abstract painter from Tucson, Arizona. I find beauty in nature’s beautiful palette. I also enjoy the challenge of pulling myself into painting from realism with subjects from travels to France, interior rooms, expansive sand dunes and landscapes or little birds.
“Ready for the Ride” oil an cold wax on canvas, 36” x 48”
Art has always been a part of me since I was a little one. I took art lessons and then was placed into advanced art in high school. I then continued studying art at the University of Arizona, receiving a BFA in Graphic Design. During my college days I studied abroad in Paris, France for Art and Art History. I traveled to surrounding countries which today has left an indelible impression on me after experiencing such intense art, architecture and timeless beauty.
“Subtle Distractions” oil and cold wax on canvas, 48” x 60”
As I continued painting, I realized how much interior design meant to me and it seemed to be the missing link. I returned to the Arizona Institute of Interior Design for more education. I just absorbed the excitement of bringing a space to life with textiles, paint, furniture, world cultures and of course art into the home. For several years I continued working as an interior designer alongside my architect/husband for our company Centerline Design and Interiors, LLC. Time then guided me to return wholeheartedly into the professional art world.
“Suspended” oil and cold wax on canvas, 49” x 61”
Taking workshops and learning various techniques and styles over the years, I found I’m most passionate about abstraction expressionism, color and composition. I’m drawn to the richness of oil paint with cold wax medium on canvas, cradled birch or paper.
“Les Bouquinistes I” oil on canvas, 20” x 16”
As important as my paint and brush/tools, is the need to be surrounded with jazz music. As I paint and rotate my canvas until something interesting pulls my attention, the music becomes my own visual jazz or improvisation in color which is my signature statement about my artwork. I enjoy all genres of music but to me, jazz music is abstract, sophisticated, intense, thought provoking and soul-moving—just like art.
“Les Bouquinistes II” oil on canvas, 20” x 16”
I began exhibiting my work in important shows locally in 2013. But the greatest experience was learning the many facets within the business of art when I was juried into the Artist Alliance Collective in 2022-23 with Jen Tough, owner, Jen Tough Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was priceless.
“Les Chaises Vertes” oil on canvas, 16” x 20”
Along with her art expertise and professionalism, she guided several artists into the art world. I was able to experience Art Miami (Red Dot Art), Art New York, Art San Diego and Art Santa Fe. These shows brought out the best in my paintings.
“Afternoon Shadows” oil on canvas, 24″ x 36”
I continue to submit to juried national/international abstract competitions with success. I’m now a licensed artist with Great Big Canvas. To cultivate authority and achieve validation on your work with happy collectors makes all that hard work, simply beautiful.
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