Featured Artist Andre Chatelain

Oil painter Andre Chatelain shares a portfolio inspired by his travels and connection with Africa. Learn more about this talented artist on his website.

 

 

I am an oil painter who chose this medium right from the beginning, and I am truly very happy with my decision. I’ve learned the basics of the Old Master’s techniques and use them with my own personal touch.

 

 

I had the privilege of travelling to Africa 20 years ago. For me, that trip was a revelation. I fell in love with the people, their simplicity, kindness and their beautiful smile. Strangely, I felt at home. When I returned, I had lots of ideas and material to paint. I challenged myself to paint the human body, and for many years my main subject was the African people. It is still very strong, even today.

 

 

Following our trip to Africa in 2008, my spouse Agnes Jorgensen (who is also an artist) and I founded our non-profit organisation, Painting a New World. By selling our artwork, we support artists in Africa and Haiti, and help to create positive changes in their communities. So far we have sponsored more than 30 murals on walls of schools and community centres in Kenya, Tchad and Haiti. We received the honor of being part of the World Changers from The Healing Power of Art and Artists organisation in New York.

 

 

With time, I have added different subjects to my portfolio. History came up when Agnes and I had the opportunity to have an exhibition at the Regional Museum of Vaudreuil-Soulanges. For the Museum, we both produced a special series of large paintings that told a story and also gave a tribute to the sculptors.

 

 

Why? I admire the talent of sculptors who are creating in three dimensions. In many cases, the knowledge we have about the story of humanity comes from the discoveries of sculptures buried in soil, sand, or water in addition to painted scenes in caves. I find it amazing that those artists found a way to still speak to us today, thousands of years later.

 

 

I’m fascinated with the mysteries of the pyramids and the new findings in Egypt and around the world which are changing the theories of the beginning of humanity. I painted a series on Egyptian art and a few creations on the Universe.

 

 

For the past few years, we heard a lot about our environment and the challenges ahead for our planet. There are many actions that are being taken to improve and/or correct the situation as much as possible. I believe we will find a way, but it can only work if we all contribute.

 

 

Agnes and I have been painting on a new subject related to the environment. We use nature in our creative process. We are focusing on the forest, more specifically the trees. During spring of this year, we will present our new project and will have many new paintings to add to our websites.

 

Andre Chatelain invites you to follow on Facebook.

 

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