Artist Johanne Brouillette presents a collection of striking contemporary abstract paintings. Enjoy her work and visit her website to view more of her portfolio.
“Joie de Vivre VII” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 40″ x 40″
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I am a French Canadian abstract painter. I chuckle when I read that because if you would have told me that 20 years ago, I would not have believed it. To be honest, I did not even really like abstraction much.
“Joie de Vivre VI” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 48″ x 36″
So I guess you must be wondering how I found my way to non-figurative painting four years ago? I had been painting mostly landscapes in oil for 20 years and through much practice and private instruction had become pretty good at it. As a perfectionist, I spent countless hours trying to make each painting perfect and as realistic as possible. Sometimes my teacher would tell me it was time to move on to a new painting, but I could not unless I felt it was just right.
“Between Us II” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 48″ x 36″
Although I never chose to exhibit or sell my art, I always seemed to have a new project I wanted to work on. As the years passed however, I started to get bored. Slowly I noticed that I painted less, until the time came when I almost considered giving up my painting. Then something very special happened to me.
“Inner Space VIII” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 48″ x 36″
A friend of mine convinced me to try a one day abstract workshop with her in 2016. It took her a few months but I finally agreed. I wish I could describe to you how I felt when I left at the end of that first day. I wanted to learn more, I wanted to paint more… I felt free, alive and passionate!
“Joie de Vivre III” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 60″ x 48″
It truly was a breakthrough for me. In all the years I had painted, the emotions and euphoria had never even come close to how I felt. I became consumed with my pursuit of abstraction. I was like a sponge. I took classes, workshops, read books, painted daily, took specialized courses to learn different techniques, and painted miles of canvas.
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“Between the Lines V” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 40″ x 40″
After only six months, I participated in my first group exhibition. For me, this is quite remarkable as I am a very shy person. I can only tell you that suddenly the desire to show my art had blossomed.
“Between Us VI” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 48″ x 60″
Painting has now become a daily necessity for me. It has allowed me to express my emotions. I believe that to make honest art you need to bring your emotions into the studio. I paint how I feel.
Artist Johanne Brouillette at work in her studio.
For me, time stands still in my studio. Hours pass, nothing else matters. I live in the present moment. I know that the artists reading this can relate to what I am trying to say. Of course there are challenges, frustrations and failures in the studio on some days, but then there are also breakthroughs, euphoric moments and magical surprises.
“Between the Lines III” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 48″ x 36″
I am very fortunate to be represented by art galleries throughout Canada, in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
“Joie de Vivre II” acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas, 48″ x 60″
I am still growing as an artist. My wings are not fully spread yet, and the beauty with abstract art is that I don’t think they ever will be.
Johanne Brouillette invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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