By Rose Bourne
In the 19th and 20th century many French artists left their undeniable influence on the art world. Artists such as Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edouard Manet and Jean Miro created a style so unique that books have been written about them and their works. Their art hangs in museums worldwide.
Now we invite you to peer into a looking glass for the 21st century and see which artists may make the art history books in the future.
We have singled out five artists for this article because their style is unique. Each artist is well established and known because they have sold their artwork worldwide.
FANCH LEDAN is one of the most prolific and successful artists today, Born François Ledan in 1949, he is a self-taught artist who signs his work Fanch Ledan. His unique style captures the interior of a room with extreme detail. In capturing this style he has added his homage to artists of the past and present. Some of his best selling works include Interior with Picasso, Interior with Miro, and Interior with Dali. In a scene, such as a living room, he will place famous paintings of these artist on the wall. These works usually do not have any people in the scene yet he gives you a sense of presence by placing in the room objects to let you know someone had been there. You may see a coffee cup in a table or a scarf draped over the arm of a chair.
Fanch has established a wide international reputation and his artwork has been well received by collectors internationally from Japan and Australia to Europe and the United States. He paints with the best quality acrylic colors on linen canvases.
These originals are eventually published and distributed as limited editions: serigraphs on paper and canvas, lithographs on Arches paper, giclees and posters. All of Fanch’s images are available and many have been used for specific exclusive copyrights uses, on four continents. Fanch maintains residences in both California and the South of France.
EMILE BELLET is a self-taught artist who has aligned himself with the discipline of the “Fauvres”, or savages – a school of artists who lived at the turn of the 20th century, which included Matisse, Cezanne, Dufy, and Vlaminck. They painted in vivid non-authentic color, and Emile Bellet has mastered this discipline with an impasto knife accentuating this color with the elongated forms of the mannerists.
The familiar female figure used throughout his work is symbolic of his impression of femininity. She represents all women, and for this reason has no facial expression. She is timeless and ageless, and universal.
Patrice de la Perriere, Director of the Art Revue, Univers des Arts (Universe of the Arts)
says of Bellet:
“The ethereal, red women of Bellet magnificently show themselves in the fragrance of summer light. Whether they are standing near a window opening onto a romantic countryside, or sitting languorously in a comfortable interior, Bellet’s women never cease to draw you into a dreamlike world. Their presence, undeniably brings a real emotion to the viewer.”
JEAN -CLAUDE PICOT displays a use of color and texture that adds an excitement to his work. He has developed a unique style that recalls a Post-Impressionist application of color combined with the expressive qualities of line. The world of his art is often one of a happy reflection on relaxation, and his personal “joie de vivre”. He captures the animation, romance and essence of the landscape.
Picot spends much of his time in the Cote d’Azur. He is inspired by the landscape of the beautiful region with its beaches, promenades and harbors, His work reflects the natural beauty and breathtaking views. Picot works in a Post-Impressionist manner reducing flowers, trees, houses and figures to their essential forms. International art critics have described this mature French artist, Picot, amongst the masters of the turn-of-the century Impressionism and early Twentieth Century Fauvism citing the commonalities in their works, He will have a place in the art history of important French landscape painters. Today, Picot displays his works in many media including oil, watercolor, etching, and serigraphs.
SHAN MERRY was born in Paris in 1938. In 1957, she was a student at the School of Fine Arts in Angers. She is best known as a model-maker and designer of scarves for HERMES. Because of this her “Profile” was presented at the Museum of Horses in Chantilly. The year 1972 was the beginning of her painting career with her principal Parisian shows.
She loves to utilize watercolor as her signature medium. Her works primarily depict images of young, alluring women. Her use of darkened eyes and lashes are contrasted by swirling hair and pastel. The facial features create a highly sensuous image. She often places these figures on light colored and often totally white backgrounds. This technique allows the viewer to see an air of purity in the faces.
Shan-Merry has participated in numerous international exhibitions in New York, Chicago and Osaka. Awards received for her paintings include the New York watercolor prize in 1974, Chevalier (Knight) of Arts-Sciences-Letters, Chevalier (Knight) of Cultural and Artistic Merit, Member of Italian Academy with gold medal, and “Signature” prize in 1979.
H. CLAUDE PISSARRO was born into a painting dynasty, starting with his grandfather, Camille Pissarro, and continuing with his father, Paul Emille, two of the most celebrated French impressionist.
Claude Pissarro gained vast knowledge from the two artistic masters of his family. Camille Pissarro was not only considered one of the most famous painters in history, he was also a highly regarded teacher. Among his pupils were Cezanne and Gaugin, as well as Claude’s father and uncle. His father, Paul Emile, spent many hours guiding and helping his son Claude to develop his own style and technique.
Claude studied the works of the masters at the Louvre and Jeu de Paume. For more than fifty years of his life Claude Pissarro has devoted himself both mentally and physically to art.
It has been a difficult but rewarding journey for Claude Pissarro. He lives under the shadow of his artistic heritage, yet now has gained International respect for his own talents. His dual education, traditionalist (due to his origins) and avant-gardist (because of his generation) means that he has been able to discover the both artistic worlds.
He paints landscapes and harbor scenes with great fluidity and dazzling light. Art critics have felt that his beautiful landscapes and harbor scenes often go beyond the accomplishments of his famous father and grandfather.
All of the five artists introduced in this article are represented by many online galleries.
For over 20 years I have worked in the art field as an art auctioneer, art lecturer, newsletter publisher and author of numerous educational textbooks. Currently our company publishes the Art Collector’s Newsletter for both new and seasoned collectors. Click here to receive a free issue of the Art Collector’s Newsletter. http://www.theartcollectorsnewsletter.com/
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