Jan Gaska
Jan Gaska studied Fine Art BA Hons. at the Surrey institute of Art & Design. His interest in drawing led him to explore printmaking. This was followed by an Illustration & Printmaking Master’s degree at Bucks University College. The Master study developed Jan’s interest in social realism, developing his work as social documentary. He further developed this work in printmaking during a 2-year printmaking residency at South Hill Park Arts Centre, culminating with his first major solo show at the Bracknell Gallery, consisting of 47 prints produced during the residency.
After a suggestion from a lecturer during his master’s study, he began to paint in oils. For his first foray in oils he used a computer enhanced photographic reference. He later dropped photography in favour of direct observation, feeling that direct experience through ‘sight and smells’, the artist can produce something more honest and personal. In the case of landscape, he developed a taste for plein air painting. In 2016 he completed a drawing scholarship with the New English Art Club, rediscovering his love of portraiture and working from the figure. More recently, during the pandemic lockdown, Jan developed this further in a portrait mentorship with Arthur Gain from the Barcelona Academy. Jan has exhibited widely with a handful of solo shows under his belt.
Jan says this about his practice: "The basis of my practise is the intention to describe form by observing how light effects the subject, in a balance of tonal and temperature values of colour; building up the drama through subtleties such as depth and atmosphere. From this basis I hope to bring something new to my paintings through observation and react to the subject on a personal level. Drawing really is fundamental to what I do. I enjoy the simplicity of it; how lines can become shapes, which in turn become forms in space. Importantly, finding drama with the application of light and shade. This led me instinctively to study printmaking. I found printmaking engrossing...but the itch to explore colour in a meaningful way pulled me away from printmaking. I found the directness of painting to be natural and intuitive.
My landscape paintings reflect my love of being outdoors. I find wonder in atmosphere, depth, and scale. I try to capture this drama and the moods that light cast honestly and accurately to my experience. I share the same attitude with portraiture, reflecting my disposition for accuracy of likeness."
An experienced Artist, he can offer subject based demonstrations and workshops and also technique and design based ones, such as composition, tonal values, using warm and cool colours and limited palettes.
Offers: Demonstrations, Workshops, Appraisals / Critiques, Mini workshops
Media: Oil painting, gouache painting, charcoal, pastel (occasionally produce lino prints)
Subjects: Landscapes, Portraits, Figures
Will travel to: Based in South Bucks, Jan is willing to travel up to 250 miles from home.
Email: nestorgaska@hotmail.com
Phone: 07952 517305
