Artist Alvaro Castagnet Demonstrates Painting Techniques at NTNU, Donates Artwork to NTNU Art Museum
Internationally acclaimed Uruguayan watercolor artist Alvaro Castagnet visited National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) on October 27 for a live figure-painting demonstration at the Dequn Gallery. Known for his bold use of color, expressive brushwork and mastery of light and shadow, Castagnet shared his creative process with students from NTNU's Department of Fine Arts. Following the demonstration, he donated the completed watercolor painting to the NTNU Art Museum, leaving a lasting record of the artistic exchange.
A Masterclass in Watercolor: Capturing Light, Movement and Atmosphere
Originally from Uruguay, Castagnet is internationally recognized for his distinctive watercolor style and has conducted exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations around the world. His paintings are characterized by vibrant colors, confident brushwork and expressive interpretations of everyday scenes. His work has received international awards and is represented in private and institutional collections.
After completing demonstrations in China, Castagnet continued his tour in Taiwan, focusing on figure painting during his visit to NTNU. For the live demonstration, Castagnet selected a scene depicting chefs at work in a Hong Kong restaurant. He captured the movement of the chefs and the interplay of light, shadow and steam rising from the kitchen. Through broad washes of color, strong tonal contrasts and decisive brushstrokes, he gradually established the relationship between the figures and their surroundings, transforming an everyday scene into an expressive composition.
Hsien-Fa Su, Professor Emeritus in NTNU’s Department of Fine Arts, praised Castagnet's exceptional control of water, precise treatment of edges and bold use of color. He noted that the demonstration highlighted the transparency, fluidity and layered effects that distinguish watercolor as a medium. Throughout the session, Castagnet also explained his approaches to composition, color selection and artistic decision-making, allowing students to observe not only the finished painting but also the techniques and thought processes behind its creation.
Connecting NTNU's Fine Arts Tradition with International Artists
Chin-Lung Huang, Professor in NTNU’s Department of Fine Arts, noted that Castagnet is highly sought after for demonstrations and workshops worldwide, making opportunities to observe his work in person relatively rare. With the assistance of Chien-Feng Lai, chairman of watercolor brush manufacturer Marco Wei, the university was able to bring the artist directly into the classroom.
The demonstration was arranged primarily for the students enrolled in Huang's Advanced Watercolor course, but it also attracted other students. The gathering brought together participants at different stages of their artistic education for a shared learning experience.
Established in 1947, NTNU's Department of Fine Arts has played an important role in the development of higher art education in Taiwan, nurturing generations of artists, educators and creative professionals. Su emphasized that inviting internationally recognized artists to campus gives students opportunities to encounter different artistic perspectives and expand their creative horizons. Observing Castagnet at work offered insights into how experienced artists respond to the properties of watercolor, manage the rhythm of a composition and make decisions throughout the painting process.
Castagnet Donates Demonstration Painting to NTNU Art Museum
A highlight of the visit was Castagnet's decision to donate the figure painting completed during the demonstration to the NTNU Art Museum. The artwork serves as both a record of his creative process on campus and a lasting reminder of the exchange between the artist and the university.
The donation was accepted on behalf of NTNU by Min-Ping Kang, Director of the Public Affairs Center under the Office of the Secretariat, while the museum began preparing the documentation for its collection. Su remarked that the university had gained not only an opportunity for students to learn from a world-renowned artist but also an original watercolor painting for its collection.
During his visit, Castagnet also met with the Dean of NTNU's College of Arts to discuss artistic exchange and potential future collaboration. The visit reflected NTNU's commitment to connecting its longstanding fine arts education with international artistic practice, providing students with opportunities to learn directly from established artists while strengthening the university's ties with the global arts community.