2 ème Biennale internationale d'aquarelle Painting by Muriel Buthier-Chartrain

I mainly paint in watercolor, barely suggested landscapes, going towards the abstract, in large formats. The subject is only a pretext for working on light.
I execute my watercolors in one go, without retouching: a challenge that I impose on myself, because it allows me to express my deepest feelings. My way of painting does not leave me much time, the execution comes after a long reflection, a mental preparation of the subject. It is this “mental painting” that allows me the spontaneity of the gesture when I apply the color: I then have no time to think. I no longer think technical, even if it is there, underlying and primordial. I act on instinct, which allows me to focus on what I want to express, and release what I need to express...
Self-taught, I evolved alone in my technique, and my paintings therefore have a style of my own. Even if my progress was slow, I think it was safer, better matured, more accomplished. Finding your way takes time and a lot of work because only a good mastery of the technique allows it. Seeing the subject for yourself, not through someone else's eyes, without worrying about trends, is the only path to sincere and personal painting.
Transparent and light, watercolor can also be strong: my ally, my passion.

My favorite oil painters are Turner for his light, Van Gogh for his paste, Magritte for his mysteries, and especially Zao Wou-Ki, so sublime and so humble. For having moved me to tears: hats off!

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1961
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists