Alvaro Castagnet
“Alvaro Castagnet paints from his heart”
Flamboyant, passionate artist Alvaro Castagnet is one of the world’s great watercolor masters with a growing list of achievements every year as his body of work flourishes and he pursues exciting directions. Alvaro has never ceased to develop and progress his art, as it evolves from vividly painted everyday scenes to almost abstract gestural swathes of pure color.
He is admired for his powerful, impressive interpretation of light effects and his ability to evoke mood to convey the very soul of the subjects he paints. And that is what he wants to pass on to his students.
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Private and public collectors worldwide have been quick to acquire Alvaro’s works. Each year he is invited to milestone art exhibitions both as entrant and juror. Prestigious awards are accruing too, including wins at the important Shanghai Zhujiajiao Biennial and another in Nanjing, China, where watercolor is revered and standards are astonishingly high.
Alvaro, was born in beautiful Montevideo, Uruguay. His early interest in art was cultivated mainly by his father, who sent him to the National School of Art in Montevideo at a young age, and where he was taught by Professor Esteban Garino. He continued his formal education at the Fine Arts University, under Miguel Angel Pareja.
With all that South American verve in his genes, Alvaro immediately made a name for himself when he moved to Australia – bursting onto the scene with his breathtaking paintings of Australia’s epic rural and urban landscapes. This was rich and exotic watercolor as rarely seen before, and Australia sat up and took notice.
Alvaro is an elected member of the AWS; NWS USA; Australian Watercolour Institute; ACUA and he is an Honorary Member of the Ohio Watercolor Society and founding member of the most prestigious IMWA International watercolour Master Association based in Shanghai, China. Word quickly spread about him through multiple local and international magazines that featured his art in all its glory.
After a clamor from art students wanting to know more about his methods, Alvaro produced some outstanding art instruction books and DVDs, and it soon became obvious that not only is he a superb artist, but a teacher with the ability to transform the work of his students. Though never losing sight of the progress of his own art, Alvaro’s overwhelming desire is to help students paint from their heart, as he does.
He insists paintings that move the viewer, that express raw emotion, go beyond the realm of technique – they transcend simply copying the scene.
He travels the world painting for his own exhibitions, while at the same time teaching hugely popular workshops in wonderful locations in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain and Australia. Participants say that just being in Alvaro’s company while he demonstrates his gorgeously pure washes and judiciously applied details is empowering. All this abounding energy comes through in his DVD collection, books and workshops, so that you too will be itching to take up your brushes.
Above all, Alvaro enjoys meeting artists everywhere either in person or through his Facebook and Instagram page where his generosity of spirit is legendary.
Artwork
The art of Alvaro Castagnet captures the very soul of his subjects with passion, boldness and elegance. His paintings are imbued with a mood, a mystery that engage and lure the viewer into the magic. He exhibits a strong, impressive and colorful style with superb interpretation of light effects that capture the soul of places he paints.
e-Store
In the e-Store you can find Alvaro’s favourite brushes, on-demand Videos, Books, DVDs and more.
Tutorials
Alvaro Castagnet “Studio Masterclass Series”
In this film Alvaro applies his immensely successful strategy : the “Four pillars of watercolour” showing with clear instruction, the importance of composition work, tonal values, colour harmony, and the way to approach figures to create a strong and exciting painting in a restaurant interior. Always encouraging you to simplify and create magical moments in your work.
Workshops
The art of Alvaro Castagnet captures the very soul of his subjects with passion, boldness and elegance. His paintings are imbued with a mood, a mystery that engage and lure the viewer into the magic. He exhibits a strong, impressive and colorful style with superb interpretation of light effects that capture the soul of places he paints.
Zurich, Switzerland: March 29 – 30, 2025
Would you like to improve your watercolours?
Join me in beautiful Zurich, Switzerland
Explore all technical aspects of painting urban scenes, landscape scenes, etc., emphasizing the importance of painting the light, creating mood and atmosphere.
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Belgium, Antwerp – April. 11 – 13, 2025
3 days of plein air painting in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe
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