Artist Steven Castillo puts his own spin on traditional portraiture. His series of acrylic paintings depict enigmatic female figures with cloth covering their faces and bodies, reminiscent of classical sculptures. Instead of a transparent veil, however, this material is filled with mesmerizing marble patterns in an array of psychedelic colors.
To create these unusual fluid patterns, Castillo employs an acrylic pouring technique, which involves adding puddles of colors to the canvas in multiple layers. This abstract aesthetic, coupled with the realistic rendering of human faces, gives these paintings a strikingly unique appearance. As a result, this combination appears to seamlessly merge traditional art with contemporary painting approaches.
All of the figures depicted in Castillo’s work have an ethereal quality about them that recalls some Renaissance art. They are portrayed from a variety of angles, but always with their eyes and lips closed. The veil clings to their facial features as though it is wet, resulting in carefully modeled drapery that folds around their noses, cheeks, and jawline.
You can purchase fine art prints via Castillo’s online shop, and keep up to date with his latest art by following him on Instagram.
Dallas-based artist Steven Castillo creates colorful paintings of veiled figures.
Each human portrait is covered in a piece of cloth that folds around their face.
Castillo uses an acrylic pouring technique to create mesmerizing marble patterns on the veil.
Steven Castillo: Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Steven Castillo.
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