Join us each month at the Dunedin Fine Art Center’s Coffee and Conversation series, where art and insight blend over a great cup of coffee. Sponsored by DFAC’s Sterling Society, this series features a new guest artist every month, sharing their creative journey and unique perspectives. Admission is $5, or free for DFAC members—an enriching way to connect with art and the community.
Coffee and Conversation with Denis Gaston
Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 12 noon
Save your seat and pre-register now!
Denis Gaston’s reputation precedes him, and it is one of humor, soulfulness and imagination. This quote by former Tampa Museum Director, Ken Rollins captures the essence of Dunedin’s beloved Local Hero: “Denis Gaston is an important Florida artist whose paintings address the human spirit in all of its manifestations.”
Denis’ current body of work represents a natural progression of his image making. Over time, there has been a gradual shift from surface flatness toward textural complexity and a broader use of materials and substrates. Works on paper have been joined by oil, acrylic and mixed-media pieces on canvas, paper and wood panels.
In all instances the content has remained constant. Almost always there is a main figural element handled in a spontaneous abstract way with a reliance on ‘stream of consciousness’ drawing. Slowly a narrative context emerges, albeit one that is not always apparent. Someone once likened Denis’ art to viewing a loved one through a fractured window; a vaguely familiar ghost. Hopefully, this ‘not knowing’ draws in the viewer and allows a personal connection with his art.
Bio
Denis Gaston, from West Virginia, grew up in Florida and received a BA in Art and Design from the University of Florida. First working as a graphic designer in Atlanta, Gaston returned to Florida in 1984 and embarked on a fine art career. He has maintained a studio since 1986 in the Gulf Coast cities of Dunedin and Clearwater.
Gaston’s mixed-media paintings and drawings are rendered in oil, acrylic, wax, collage, and other materials. His spontaneous and intuitive style draws inspiration from many world cultural traditions. Masks and indigenous art hold special attractions for him.