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His parents would not allow him to pursue studies at Montreal’s School of Fine Arts. So Rénald Gauthier set himself conquering his freedom by moving to Sherbrooke, which was closer to his hometown of Saint-Adrien, in the Eastern Townships. There, he forged close ties with artists and painters, while earning a degree in French Literature and Education Science at the University of Sherbrooke. He went on to perfect his art training at the same university, and at Bishop's University in Lennoxville.
He became a teacher, but still nurtured his passion for art by exploring different means of expression. However, in the early '80s, he dedicated himself entirely to painting. In 1985, he was the guest artist of the Asbestos book fair. Then, the La Falaise gallery in Sherbrooke exhibited his work. But this was only the beginning.
For ten years, he painted winter scenes that gained him worldwide recognition. In 1988, La Différence Gallery in North Hatley presented his paintings. In 2000, he was awarded the Jury Prize at the Danville Arts Symposium. He also won the Jean-Paul Lapointe Prize in 2006 (awarded by Lyne Beauchamp, Minister of Culture for Québec). Finally, in December 2007, as part of the international exhibition organized by the Société Nationale des Beaux Arts de France in Paris, his pieces were seen in the mythical Carrousel du Louvre.
Though freedom triumphed, a dream had yet to become reality. In 1998, Rénald Gauthier founded the Danville Arts Symposium and became its president. For twelve years, this event has been attended by art lovers from all backgrounds and all parts of the world, and has broadened beyond the borders of Québec, with Ontario, U.S., Belgian and French artists participating, among others. The village of Danville, with its old English style and beautiful flower gardens, is a virtual paradise for painters who, like our featured artist, savor the beauty of nature and architectural heritage.
Rénald Gauthier’s work is all about tying a closer relationship with this beauty and heritage. And it provides an ever vibrant escape route.
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