In today’s art landscape, often dominated by conceptual and abstract movements, I represent a small but growing group of classically trained figurative and plein air artists. While this movement remains rare in Luxembourg, it is gaining strong momentum in many other countries.
My work focuses on capturing the stories of our time and place through painting - preserving both cultural narratives and traditional artistic skills. Although I primarily work in oil and watercolour, I’m not strictly bound by medium. What guides me is the subject matter: passing stories worth telling, quiet moments worth preserving.
Like Piet Mondrian once said, an artist should paint where they live, allowing their environment to shape their art. This philosophy informs my approach. Through painting, I aim to build a deeper connection with Luxembourg - the city that welcomed me and has become my home. As a plein air artist, I’m still a bit of an oddity on its streets, often drawing curious glances and questions. But painting on location, from observation and within the life of the city, is the only way I know to capture the authentic spirit of everyday contemporary life - without sensationalising it or focusing on a single narrative. Like a quiet observer - a brush in hand - I document what I see.
In my technique, I draw on my roots as a Russian-born artist, carrying with me a tradition known for its technical rigour and its distinctive approach to realism. I’m particularly inspired by the Russian Impressionist movement, with its nuanced use of subtle greys to create vivid contrasts - rather than relying on pure, open colours. My eight years of living and painting in Singapore and Southeast Asia have also left their mark, bringing a brighter, more saturated palette to my work. Additionally, my background in architecture continues to influence my compositions, adding structure and a love for line that underpins much of what I do.
A deep love for the craft side of painting and desire to preserve the now again rising awareness and appreciation for the skilful techniques of the old masters, drives me to constantly perfect my approach and technique. After 10 years of balancing my roles as an artist and art educator with a career in architecture and design, I made the bold decision to become a full-time artist in 2022 - and I haven’t looked back since. Without a plan B, I’ve been fully committed to being a full time artist.
Statement
Medium, Subject, and Technique
I work primarily in ink, watercolour, and oil, often creating on location or using sketches made from direct observation. This method allows me to capture and preserve the emotions and first impressions evoked by a place or setting.
My work focuses on people, the spaces they inhabit, and the objects they surround themselves with—offering glimpses of their personalities through the things they collect and the places they frequent. Since moving to Luxembourg, I’ve concentrated on depicting the city’s everyday life, capturing its character through paintings and sketches in a way that echoes the approach of the Impressionists.
I use the alla prima technique, completing works in as few sessions as possible. My emphasis is on documenting the fleeting and transient aspects of a scene, prioritising light, shapes, and the story behind it. Instead of strict realism, my process aims to preserve the intangible qualities of a moment—those that modern technology, no matter how advanced, cannot replicate.
Current Work
My current body of work delves into the concept of home, particularly for those of us living far from familiar surroundings. After 12 years of expatriate life, I’ve been drawn to the question of what defines "home" when its physical presence is ever-changing. I explore how people cultivate a "sense" of home—whether in a residence, a workplace, or a community—a fluid idea that evolves with each temporary dwelling.
Through my art, I document the routines and traditions that transform a space into a home. These might include visits to a local market, quiet moments in a favorite café, or the simple act of arranging personal items. Over time, these objects and routines embody the spirit of home, forming natural still lifes that reveal the character of their inhabitants.
As I settle into life in Luxembourg, I continue to capture this process of adjustment and discovery. I paint objects found in markets, collected during walks, or encountered through new friendships, along with scenes from my evolving home. This practice is both an artistic exploration and a way of grounding myself, offering viewers a deeply personal narrative on the changing meaning of home.
Plans for the Immediate Future
In addition to remaining an active member of the Luxembourgish and European art scenes, I’m developing new projects that explore contemporary approaches to painting. These include experimenting with new materials and techniques and creating larger-scale works—some of which are already in progress.
VAT LU36145324
All rights reserved (c) Alena Gastaldi 2025