The Artist’s Palette: Alex Kasyan’s Methodical Approach to Color and Value

In the world of contemporary realist art, the tools and techniques an artist employs can be as revealing as their finished works. Alex Kasyan, a distinguished portrait artist born in 1984, has developed an intriguing approach to palette organization that offers insight into his masterful control of color and value.

The Innovative Palette Insert

What particularly catches the eye in Kasyan’s studio setup is his thoughtfully designed palette insert, placed beneath the glass surface. This system combines two essential elements: a predetermined color layout plan and a grayscale reference sheet. This methodical approach to organizing his working space reflects the precision and attention to detail that characterizes his portraiture.

The inclusion of a grayscale sheet is particularly noteworthy, as it serves as a constant reference point for value relationships – a crucial element in achieving the lifelike quality that distinguishes Kasyan’s work. This tool allows him to maintain accurate tonal relationships throughout the painting process, contributing to the “high sensitivity of tones” that his work is known for.

The Artist Behind the Innovation

Alex Kasyan’s journey in art began during his adolescence, where his fascination with painting people first took root. His formal education includes study at several prestigious institutions, including the National Academy of Design and the Water Street Atelier under Jacob Collins. His time at the Grand Central Academy and the Art Students League, where he studied under Nelson Shanks, further refined his classical approach to realist art.

What sets Kasyan apart is his unwavering commitment to representational art. Working primarily in oil paints for his paintings and charcoal and graphite for his drawings, he approaches realism as “art created in its purest and most truthful form.” This philosophy is evident in every aspect of his practice, from his carefully organized palette to his finished works.

Technical Precision Meets Artistic Sensitivity

The systematic approach to his palette organization mirrors the thoughtful methodology evident in his artwork. His drawings are distinguished by deliberate hatching techniques that create subtle tonal variations, while his paintings demonstrate a refined understanding of color relationships. This technical precision, combined with what he describes as giving his subjects “a second life,” results in portraits that are both technically accomplished and emotionally resonant.

Impact and Recognition

Kasyan’s dedication to his craft has earned him international recognition. His work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Museum of European Modern Art in Spain and the Mall Galleries in London as part of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibition. He continues to share his knowledge and techniques through teaching, conducting workshops at his Montreal studio since 2010.

The Larger Significance

The attention Kasyan pays to organizing his palette speaks to a broader truth about realist art: that achieving naturalistic results often requires a systematic approach to the fundamentals. His palette insert system demonstrates how thoughtful preparation and organization can support artistic excellence, enabling the artist to focus more fully on capturing the essence of their subject.

For artists and art enthusiasts alike, Kasyan’s palette system serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor details in an artist’s practice can have a significant impact on their work. It’s these kinds of innovative approaches to traditional techniques that keep classical realism relevant and vibrant in the contemporary art world.