Casey Lerner
- Anna Lilli Garai
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Casey Lerner began painting as a child, but it was his piece “Stormy River,” made at fifteen, that marked the moment he started to see art as his path. Since then he has developed a practice defined by splattered and marbled textures, built from loose layers of acrylic paint. Balance, color, and motion guide his process, often with black, white, and gold shaping the palette. Growing up in Weston, Connecticut, he found early support through community shows and markets, where his works quickly gained attention. What started with a $30 sale has turned into a steady practice, with Lerner continuing to experiment with energy, rhythm, and control in every canvas.
Q: When did painting shift from a hobby into something serious for you?
A: Painting shifted from a hobby to a professional pursuit for me in 2020, when I created my piece "Stormy River" at the age of 15. For all my childhood years up until that moment, art had always been something I did for fun—I would create anything I could, as long as I had the materials. But after completing "Stormy River," I began to take art seriously and approached it as my profession. That was the turning point when everything started to pick up.
Q: How did it feel to sell your first painting for $30 and then suddenly start selling out shows?
A: At 16, I sold my first painting—a moment that was both exciting and intimidating. I was initially scared to let the piece go, but with encouragement from a friend and a peer, I overcame that hesitation. After making the sale, I felt as though I had “leveled up.” As difficult as it was to part with the work, that experience showed me I could build something professional from my art. Soon after, when I began selling out at shows, it felt almost unreal to witness people valuing my work at such an early stage in my life and career.
Q: Your paintings often play with splatter and marble textures. What keeps you interested in that process?
A: For me, it all comes down to the fluidity and the freeform ability within those techniques. The process demands blood, sweat, tears, and often a sense of uncertainty about the outcome. In short, splatters and marble have always resonated with me as designs that are both freeform and luxurious.
They reflect my approach to finding balance within chaos. Over time, I’ve learned that channeling wild, untamed energy into one piece can result in something truly beautiful.
Q: What does balance mean for you when you’re working on a painting?
A: Balance is at the core of every work I create. To me, a piece of art is not only about technical execution—it’s about how grounded it makes you feel. Balance has been a guiding principle throughout my life, and it remains central in my creative process. When I paint, I’m constantly navigating between having fun with the work and ensuring it resonates visually with others. For me, balance is a multifaceted pursuit—one that shapes both my art and my life.
Q: Weston, Connecticut has been a big part of your story. How has that local scene shaped you?
A: I grew up in Weston, a tight-knit and supportive community that gave me exactly what a young artist needs at the start of their journey. One of the groups that truly helped me excel was WestonArts, the committee that hosted my first show in 2021 when I was 16—the same event where I made my very first sale. Beyond that, Weston offered countless supportive outlets, most notably Lachat Town Farm.
Lachat became a place where I grew tremendously as an artist. Their staff, volunteers, events, and resources provided invaluable opportunities as I began exhibiting. With just a tent and a table, I was able to share my art at their monthly summer farmers markets and even their winter holiday market. Those experiences not only allowed me to connect deeply with the community but also gave my work early visibility. Beyond Lachat, Weston as a whole has always been a strong supporter of the arts, especially within its education system, which was instrumental in my growth.
Q: What role does color play for you when you’re building a painting?
A: Since committing fully to painting, I’ve been consistently drawn to a Black, White, and Gold palette. Of these, Gold has become the signature accent in much of my work. For me, Gold represents more than just a color—it embodies opulence, strength, and timelessness. Its presence elevates a piece, adding layers of depth and luxury. At the same time, using Gold requires strategic planning, thoughtful distribution, and careful execution. Too much can overwhelm, while too little can feel incomplete. That balance is where the real artistry lies. Incorporating Gold has not only defined my aesthetic but has also become a symbolic element in my practice—transforming raw, expressive energy into something radiant and refined.
