Meet the Artist

Gayle Mangan Kassal’s paintings express the vibrancy and exuberance of life’s experiences.  Her art communicates a passion for brilliant colors and dedication to realistic detail.   They capture life in a single moment bursting into immense proportions, transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant new whimsical worlds.

Gayle was born in Connecticut and received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, magna cum laude, from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She traveled abroad as a yacht stewardess watching the world through her porthole, sketching scenes along the way. Her employment required a small stay in Lisse, Netherlands, where she was awestruck by the beauty of their abundant floral display at the Keukenhof gardens right before her return to the states. An inspiration took root in her mind fueling her desire to pursue a career in painting. Gayle earned her Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a specialty in painting and flowers as her muse. Gayle was an adjunct professor at UMass Dartmouth, Salve Regina University and eventually Anne Arundel Community College when she moved to Annapolis in 2002. During these years Gayle’s art bloomed into intricate fanciful murals and fine art pastel paintings that today, adorn corporations, hospitals, and private residencies nationwide.  

In 2006, Gayle embraced motherhood enjoying a new path, which led her to teaching mural workshops at primary schools throughout the county, painting with hundreds of young artists. She is currently a professional artist and visiting educator throughout Maryland public schools, a signature board member of the Maryland Pastel Society, a member of the Maryland Federation of Art and Annapolis Art Alliance.  She enjoys living by the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and their two children in Annapolis, Maryland.

I paint to uplift and celebrate life’s simple treasures. My artwork is focused on capturing single colorful moments. Ones of abounding movement and energy, expressing genuine joy and passion.   My paintings reveal playful moments of interacting characters from creatures to flowers. I may convey a seed’s journey from emerging bud to bursting bloom or an octopus who is spinning the DJ tunes. A touch of whimsy to bring a smile and create a story for the viewer to envision.