Artist Statement
The act of creation is an endless search for perfection, this creation becoming 'art' after a long time of experimenting.
Art appears when reality is magically transformed into beauty. The unanimous feeling it offers to the viewer is a powerful emotion, both intellectual and physical, which can only be felt in front of a painting. Beauty is the truth that appears beyond the seduction of only forms and colours.
None of history's most famous artists succeeded without an enormous amount of work.
That's why I feel very humble, improving constantly my technique - and then my freedom to attain it - without burning steps, and achieving a full expression that is Art.
The technique of pastel is very subtle and needs a light hand most of the time, with a fewer stronger strikes. I paint more portraits because I 'm fascinated by humanity, all in a spirit of tolerance, respect and love for the other. If I can express those feelings in my paintings, I have accomplished an important feat as an artist.
Oil is a sensual technique as well, allowing me to take the necessary time to mature my painting as I go.
So, there are two processes in my proposition: one is aesthetic and the other is ethical. It forces me to think deeply about my choices, and be very demanding when I paint. But most of all, I listen to my heart simply and faithfully, and the beat that I hear gives me all the inspiration I need.
I love sharing my experience with students during workshops or demonstrations, which I conduct with joy and enthusiasm. For me and my students there is no stress or pressure during workshops because we are all human beeings, and we are all allowed to make mistakes.
I have a wonderfull life in front of me, full of discoveries and surprises and sometime deceptions. All that is called 'experience' and it will make me grow as I progress down the complex path of Art.
Education
1987 - 1989: Art History Studies at « Ecole du Louvre » specialty : Islamics Arts.
1990 - 1994: Drawing studies of nude models at the «Ateliers de la ville de Paris » ( ink, acrylic, charcoal, pencil ).
2000 – 2002: Intense practice of Pastel technique with Alain Victor, great french Master Pastellist.
Workshops
Cecile teaches many workshops in France and the United States. She specializes in portraiture. She 200 students in both countries, all of whom faithfully follow her instruction. An instructional DVD, soon on the market, will provide valuable instructional information of her techniques in pastel.
Portrait Commisions
She has both private and public Portrait commission orders. Examples include:
- Bob McConnell, director of the South East Iowa symphony Orchestra for the 60th birthday of the orchestra
- Bart Howard portrait ordered by the city of Burlington, Iowa, offered to the Mabel Macer foundation, New York
Professional Organizations & Activities
Vice- president of Bueil Union Artists, Normandie, France.
Member of Art du Pastel en France.
Signature Member of Pastel Society of America.
member of La Societe des Pastellistes de France
Member of the Portait Society of America.
Member of the Iowa Pastel Society.
Juried many shows in France.
Workshops and demonstrations in France and USA.
Press
International Du Pastel Summer
Exhibitions
2011 - Festival international du Pastel, Feytiat, France - Société des Pastellistes de France
2011 - Salon international de pastels, Saint- Aulaye, France
2011 - Salon ARGR, Boulogne Billancourt, France
2011 - Two person show with David Garrison at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center, Marion, Iowa
2011 - Two persons show with David Garrison at Arts for living Center, Burlington, Iowa
2011 - 34 eme Salon des Amis des Arts de Chaville, France
2011 - Two persons show with David Garrison at the Ivy Gallery, Alburtis, PA
2010 - Salon ARGR, Boulogne Billancourt, France
2010 - Exhibit at Galerie des Chapelains, Nevers, France
2010 - 2 persons show with David Garrison at the Figge Museum Store, Davenport, Iowa, USA
2010 - Moments of life, David Strawn Art Gallery, Jacksonville, Il, USA
2010 - Venus Envy Quad Cities show, Davenport, Iowa, USA
2010 - Salon International du Pastel, APF, Giverny, France
2010 - L'Art du Pastel en presqu'ile de Guerande, Brittany, France
2010 - Salon du Pastel en Bretagne, Fougeres, France
2010 - Catiri's Art Oasis gallery, August show, Amana, Iowa, USA