It’s not every day you come across someone that portrays a city as vibrantly as Steve Wasterval does.
From small to large, this artist’s cityscapes will have you feeling like you stepped into the boroughs of New York. His unique style proves you can experience the energy of the city from thousands of miles away.
Today, we travel to a Brooklyn neighborhood to learn about the creator behind some hidden gems.
Let’s go!
The Story of Steve Wasterval
It can be surprising to learn Steve Wasterval didn’t always live in New York. His art reflects the city so deeply that you’d think he grew up there.
However, the 42-year-old artist resided in Texas until 2009. But he claims he’s a native New Yorker by marriage since that’s where his wife is from. They live in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, and it’s here that Wasterval spreads his artwork in a very creative way.
When Steve arrived in the city, he found inspiration in the graffiti scene. But using spray cans wasn’t his style, so instead, he chose to create tiny paintings and leave them around Greenpoint. He thought allowing people to find a neat piece of art they could take home would be cool.
Using Instagram and an email newsletter, Steve Wasterval sends his followers on hunts to locate his miniature masterpieces. Once he posts about a new hidden treasure, he says it takes about 30 minutes for someone to find it. Then, he asks hunters to use social media to let him know they found it.
Looking at one of his creations, you can almost feel the energy of the buildings and streets depicted in them. This comes from his classic training in Russian impressionism. As Wasterval describes in an interview, it taught him to “paint things the way they feel, not how they look.”
While he regularly leaves his small canvases around Greenpoint as freebies, his true means of making money comes from larger pieces. Depending on the size, his artwork can go for $6,000 or higher. And judging by the archives on his website, it appears he has no problem selling his pieces.
What Inspires Steve Wasterval’s Art?
Looking at Steve Wasterval’s art, you can see his inspiration peering back at you. New York City, by and large, is his biggest muse.
Some of the cityscapes he creates include images of the street art he initially found inspiring upon moving to Brooklyn. But he also paints bridges, waterways, train tracks, and apartment buildings. If it feels like New York, he’ll use it in his artwork.
Over the years, Wasterval developed a style he calls American expressionism. He uses artistic liberties to distort everyday images, enhancing realistic aspects with emotion.
What Mediums Does Steve Wasterval Work With?
Most pieces you’ll see from Steve Wasterval are on fabric canvases. He mostly uses acrylic paint but also incorporates other mediums, including charcoal, ink, and pastels, to create his images.
Additionally, Krink paint markers help Wasterval add unique touches to some of his masterpieces. Graffiti artists were the first to use Krink products, but the New York City-based company eventually grew beyond street art.
Inspiring Pieces by Steve Wasterval
We love Steve Wasterval’s unique spin on Brooklyn and other well-known neighborhoods. But even without stepping foot in New York, his artwork helps you feel the magic and beauty of the city.
Show Me Your Chucks
In 2018, Steve Wasterval created a series of six paintings, each depicting a different color of Converse Chuck Taylor shoes. If you grew up between the 70s and 90s, you likely owned a pair of Chucks. While the company dates back to the early 1900s, it seemed to reach peak popularity in the 1980s.
Show Me Your Chucks is a throwback for many of us who fell into the punk, metal, and grunge music scenes. So which color Chucks did you sport?
Uncle Carlos Says…
Wasterval created this painting of Berry Street, a well-known area of Brooklyn, in 2019. Gentrification changed the neighborhood, but the artwork shows how it looked before fancy retail shops and apartment buildings took over.
When the artist showed his Uncle Carlos the painting at a family dinner, he told Steve, “That street used to be no joke!” Apparently, crime was pretty common there. So Wasterval decided to add the words, “This street used to be scary!!!” across it. In essence, he tagged his own artwork.
The Mona Lisa de Williamsburg
Steve Wasterval painted this piece based on a New York City mural at the intersection of Bedford Avenue, Broadway, and South 6th Street. The street art depicts a young girl with her head resting on her hands while she looks off into the distance. Her wavy dark bangs hang just above her eyes.
In Wasterval’s recreation, you almost feel like you’re standing in the city viewing the mural. You can see the side of the building it’s on, as well as light poles, planters, road signs, and businesses lining the streets.
Where Can I See Some of Steve Wasterval’s Art?
If you happen to be in New York City, check out Steve Wasterval’s Instagram page for updates on his mini-hunts. Or join his mailing list to receive emails about where to look for his tiny masterpieces. When you locate one of his hidden gems, post a photo to your social media page and tag Steve so he knows you found it.
You can also check out his website, which shows current artwork available, as well as an archive of past pieces. It’s easy to feel like you’re walking down the streets of New York City while viewing his online gallery.
Pro tip:Check out Wasterval’s Chucks Series at Aerosol Art Club in Fairhope, Alabama!
Steve Waterval Will Transport You to the City
Steve Wasterval’s view of New York City is unique. When he says he wants you to feel the energy of his adopted hometown, he really means it. His love for the neighborhood he lives in and the surrounding area comes through in every piece.
Next time you’re in Brooklyn, don’t forget to look all around. You never know if your eyes will find a hidden treasure.