Near and far - No 8 (2024) Painting by Johanne Monique Dufour (Monique J Dufour)

I am an intuitive, self-taught painter. I paint with music and music paints through me, orchestrating a symphony of colors, movements, energies, and vibrations.My career as a self taught artist began in 2013 in Burlington ON, Canada. I had  visited St Paul de Vence for 2 weeks where I was captivated by the charm, vibration and history of this village. I was able to spend time in the numerous museums and art galleries and visiting Marc Chagall’s grave. I viewed the art as an expression of the artists, and who they were as individuals. At the time I did not know that Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy, and Matisse all lived for a time in Saint-Paul de Vence, I felt an energy that I could not put into words. I went back to Canada and was spontaneously guided to pick up a paintbrush. I loved it so much that I painted every moment that I could. My intent was to paint for myself but I soon began selling my art to friends and their friends and to collectors on Saatchi Art. The feedback was and still is that they connected with the painting and that it brought healing energy to them. In 2016 I retired completely from the corporate world and became a full time painter.

I paint in a trance-like state, not knowing what I will create, and am drawn to paint with many layers (each layer being part of the story) and often with bold texture, with no restrictions. My abstract works encourage individual interpretation and resonance with the observer, which is my intention. Something that I truly love about my abstracts is what individuals see in my paintings. Often they see faces, people, animals, objects and what they feel are positive energies and how it relates to them

 Energies, vibrations, and healing are constant with the four elements, as well as the colors representing the elements. I have a strong connection on a physical and spiritual basis. I live and create, firmly grounded on Mother Earth, though I never know where I will be led or what my creations will be. My abstract art carries these vibrations for the viewer and may assist with focus, meditation, healing and well being. 

Throughout this time (2013 to present) I have exhibited my works live in Canada, Italy, France and Spain in curated exhibitions, solo exhibitions, group exhibitions as well as online exhibitions, and my art now hangs in private collections around the world.

• Nationality: CANADA
• Date of birth : 1957
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary Canadian Artists