Bonasvista Iceberg NFL, 36"X48", Oil on canvas
A Rich Life: Gisele Comtois
"The end of a painting is really the beginning of the next one."
Gisele Comtois carries herself with confidence and poise. After 40 years as a practicing artist, she holds a vast repertoire of knowledge and experience. So when it comes to the art world, she has much to say.
Born in St. Marc-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Comtois is known for her richly painted landscapes of the Gaspe coast, Charlevois County, the Laurentians, and the Eastern Township in Quebec - all regions very close to her heart. She has also travelled to capture the Maritimes, Northern Ontario, France, Italy, India, Egypt and South America.
Comtois has taught at various schools such as Sheridan College, and Ecole St-Phillipe. Her work can be found at various galleries such as Earls Court Gallery, The Art Gallery of Hamilton, The Art Gallery of Burlington, and Gallery 133.
We recently caught up with Ms. Comtois, about to embark on a trip to London England.
What are you working on right now?
I am working toward an exhibition at Earls Court Gallery for September 2018. The subject is landscape but with a different approach such as more space, movement.... inspirational.
The end of a painting is really the beginning of the next one. My inspiration comes from traveling to different places. After painting Northern Ontario, I went back to Quebec to paint the Laurentians, Eastern Township and finally Charlevoix County. On sketching trips I would spend as much as 3 weeks just to study the land formation and find a rhythm of my own.
The first 10 years I was influenced by mostly the Impressionists and many accomplished Canadian artists. Later on, I pursued developing my own colour palette. I travelled though Europe to visit their Museums discovering the quality of their light and shadow - Caravaggio was sublime..... his modern sensibility and the dramatic use of light in his paintings. Now, my colour is my signature.
What advice would you give to a young emerging artist?
