Denis Gaston
https://www.denisgaston.com
520 S. Keystone Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756.
727 643-0614
[email protected]
Young Boy Wearing A Crustacean Cap
acrylic on canvas
30”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2023
acrylic on canvas
30”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2023
Denis Gaston
Artist Statement
This current body of work represents a natural progression of my image making. Over time, there has been a gradual shift from surface flatness toward textural complexity and a broader use of materials and substrates. Works on paper have been joined by oil, acrylic and mixed-media pieces on canvas, paper and wood panels.
In all instances the content has remained constant. Almost always there is a main figural element handled in a spontaneous abstract way with a reliance on ‘stream of consciousness’ drawing. Slowly a narrative context emerges, albeit one that is not always apparent. Someone once likened it to viewing a loved one through a fractured window; a vaguely familiar ghost.
This ‘not knowing’ approach to mark-making allows for freshness and spontaneity, drawing in the viewer to afford them a personal connection with the art.
Denis Gaston, 2024
Artist Statement
This current body of work represents a natural progression of my image making. Over time, there has been a gradual shift from surface flatness toward textural complexity and a broader use of materials and substrates. Works on paper have been joined by oil, acrylic and mixed-media pieces on canvas, paper and wood panels.
In all instances the content has remained constant. Almost always there is a main figural element handled in a spontaneous abstract way with a reliance on ‘stream of consciousness’ drawing. Slowly a narrative context emerges, albeit one that is not always apparent. Someone once likened it to viewing a loved one through a fractured window; a vaguely familiar ghost.
This ‘not knowing’ approach to mark-making allows for freshness and spontaneity, drawing in the viewer to afford them a personal connection with the art.
Denis Gaston, 2024
Talismen
acrylic on canvas
38”h. x 28”w. x 1.75”d.
2020
acrylic on canvas
38”h. x 28”w. x 1.75”d.
2020
Up From Eyrth
mixed-media, collage on canvas
30”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2023
mixed-media, collage on canvas
30”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2023
Memento Mori
acrylic on canvas
37.5”h. x 28”w. x 2”d.
2016
acrylic on canvas
37.5”h. x 28”w. x 2”d.
2016
Luna Lover
mixed-media on canvas
24”h. x 18”w. x 2”d.
2020
mixed-media on canvas
24”h. x 18”w. x 2”d.
2020
Fail Safe
mixed-media on canvas
42”h. x 30”w. x 1.5”d.
2011
mixed-media on canvas
42”h. x 30”w. x 1.5”d.
2011
Artist Bio
Denis Gaston, from West Virginia, grew up in Florida and received a BA in Art and Design from the University of Florida. First working as a graphic designer in Atlanta, Gaston returned to Florida in 1984, and embarked on a fine art career. He has maintained a studio since 1986 in the Gulf Coast cities of Dunedin and Clearwater.
Gaston’s mixed-media paintings and drawings are rendered in oil, acrylic, wax, collage, and other materials. His spontaneous and intuitive style draws inspiration from many world cultural traditions. Masks and indigenous art hold special attractions for him.
Ken Rollins, past Director of the Tampa Museum of Art, states that “Denis Gaston is an important Florida artist whose paintings address the human spirit in all of its manifestations."
Lennie Bennett, art critic for the St. Petersburg Times, wrote that “Gaston’s paintings have the primal, evocative feel of ancient cave drawings.”
The Tampa Tribune’s Jenny Carey called Gaston “A dedicated artist whose mixed media paintings are distinguished and thought provoking.”
In 1990 Gaston was honored with a State of Florida Individual Artist Fellowship, and his art is included in the Florida Art in State Buildings Collection. He has participated in hundreds of exhibitions and one can find his work in private and public collections throughout the United States and in France. In Florida, Gaston’s art works are included in the Polk Museum of Art, Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Raymond James Financial Corporation, Holland and Knight Law Firm, Stetson University College of Law, St. Petersburg College and Eckerd College
Denis Gaston, from West Virginia, grew up in Florida and received a BA in Art and Design from the University of Florida. First working as a graphic designer in Atlanta, Gaston returned to Florida in 1984, and embarked on a fine art career. He has maintained a studio since 1986 in the Gulf Coast cities of Dunedin and Clearwater.
Gaston’s mixed-media paintings and drawings are rendered in oil, acrylic, wax, collage, and other materials. His spontaneous and intuitive style draws inspiration from many world cultural traditions. Masks and indigenous art hold special attractions for him.
Ken Rollins, past Director of the Tampa Museum of Art, states that “Denis Gaston is an important Florida artist whose paintings address the human spirit in all of its manifestations."
Lennie Bennett, art critic for the St. Petersburg Times, wrote that “Gaston’s paintings have the primal, evocative feel of ancient cave drawings.”
The Tampa Tribune’s Jenny Carey called Gaston “A dedicated artist whose mixed media paintings are distinguished and thought provoking.”
In 1990 Gaston was honored with a State of Florida Individual Artist Fellowship, and his art is included in the Florida Art in State Buildings Collection. He has participated in hundreds of exhibitions and one can find his work in private and public collections throughout the United States and in France. In Florida, Gaston’s art works are included in the Polk Museum of Art, Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Raymond James Financial Corporation, Holland and Knight Law Firm, Stetson University College of Law, St. Petersburg College and Eckerd College
Woman Eating Grape
mixed-media on canvas
30”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2022
mixed-media on canvas
30”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2022
Ashurbanipal
archival giclee print on canvas
24”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2022
archival giclee print on canvas
24”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2022
God Of Green Things
mixed-media on wood
24” diameter
2020
mixed-media on wood
24” diameter
2020
Boy With Beach Ball
archival giclee print on canvas
28”h. x 20”w. x 1.5”d.
2022
archival giclee print on canvas
28”h. x 20”w. x 1.5”d.
2022
Layer Cake
mixed-media on paper on wood
31”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2013
mixed-media on paper on wood
31”h. x 24”w. x 1.5”d.
2013
Denis Gaston
https://www.denisgaston.com
520 S. Keystone Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756.
727 643-0614
[email protected]
https://www.denisgaston.com
520 S. Keystone Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756.
727 643-0614
[email protected]
