His name in English comprises the two passions of his life:  God and Art. Born in Laon in the department of Aisne, north-west of Rheims, in 1924 he rapidly showed his talent for portrait painting and obtained his first commission when he was 12 years old. At the start of WWII the family relocated to central France and he started studying at the Beaux Arts in Clermont-Ferrand.  At the end of the war and his studies he concentrated on portrait painting for a short period before getting a calling to become a priest.

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Nonetheless his passion for painting was such that after 20 years he left the Church whilst remaining a fervent believer and devout Christian working for the Secours Catholique. Thus he was able to pursue his two interests together.  Initially continuing with his portrait painting, he progressed to landscapes and figurative work, before adventuring into semi-figurative and abstract and in a variety of mediums :  oil, pastel, acrylique, gouache, wax and sand as well as mixed techniques.   He led a relatively Spartan and modest existence, despite his encounter and marriage to a famous Brazilian opera singer Maria Kareska. They remained a very harmonious and happy couple, living in an apartment in Massy, a suburb to the south of Paris.

 

Throughout the rest of his life and right up until 6 months before his death, painting dominated his life.  He explored and experimented with new methods and styles in a wide variety of subjects – from religious and biblical themes to modern abstract. He was both a craftsman and a creator, frequently applying the Golden Rule principles, as well as searching for a harmony and equilibrium both in his forms and colours.  He refused to adopt a single pervasive style, prefering to evolve and try out new methods and horizons. Yet whilst it is possible to detect a diversity of influences in his work – from Miro, Picasso, Chagall, Klee, and Kandinsky for example- nonetheless there is his own personal touch and expression which prevails.  His range was remarkable and the hope is that through this website the viewer can see and appreciate his wide and eclectic interests and talents.

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Jonathan Garner, Croissy-sur-Seine, 2018.