An internationally renowned and self-taught artist, who is based on tenacity and enthusiasm, that opted for a realistic painting style, which he approaches by capturing constructed, well-drawn compositions. His work is characterized by a serene and poetic realism, which translates the artist's delight in the expression of streets, buildings and traditional facades. Read the interview to discover more.
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Kooness: Describe your series
Tomás Castaño: I am a realist painter with more than 50 years of experience and my subjects vary from time to time, but my specialty is urban architecture, shop facades from the 19th and 20th centuries whose tendency to disappear is palpable with time because of new influences and trends.
K: Why do you do this type of art?
TC: I am interested in buildings and their history. For this reason, I immortalize them on canvas with the idea of letting future generations know where their ancestors carried out their activities.
K: Where do you find inspiration?
TC: I get inspired during my travels, mainly through Spain, I like to visit the old town of cities where buildings from past centuries are still preserved, and I look for those beloved corners that with the passage of time we will no longer be able to see.
K: How do you make your artworks?
TC: Initially I take several photographs of those constructions that have impacted me the most and then in my studio I develop the work looking for the perspective that I consider most suitable to create the most attractive painting. I start with the drawing and then I give the background color to then go into the detail. If you look closely, in many of my works, which are realistic in nature, spaces appear with abstract strokes that are perfectly integrated into the creation and that I call realistic abstraction.
K: What does your art mean to you?
TC: For me, art is my life, although I have not always fully dedicated myself to this activity, I always found a moment to lock myself in my studio and give free rein to my creative inspiration.
K: Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
TC: I am from Santander in the north of Spain, a city linked to the sea and that is why this theme has widely represented in my work.
K: What are your biggest artistic influences?
TC: My greatest influence has been the movement created in the 60s by the great Spanish master Antonio López “The new Madrid realism.”
K: How do you define success as an artist?
TC: I understand that success as an artist is achieved when you are internationally acclaimed and invited to participate in the main world art events.
K: Does art help you in other areas of your life?
TC: I believe that for anyone immersed in this activity, art helps them forget about worries and therefore I consider that art is the best medicine.
K: How has your style changed over time?
TC: My style has not changed much over time, but I can say that with the experience acquired during so many years of work I have managed to achieve a characteristic technique that identifies me with my works.
K: What have critics and collectors said about your work?
TC: Generally, the critics have treated me well and, in all cases, praised my technique.
Written by Kooness
Cover image: Tomás Castaño. Havana - Blue House. Courtesy of Teravarna