Orchids by Jeanne d'Arc Gaudet

I have seen a few floral paintings over the years that have impressed me, and Jeanne d'Arc's 'Orchids', belongs in this group. Its painted in oils on canvas and its 18"x 24" in size. And to the regret of many readers, I have to tell you that it has been sold. (it could likely have been sold several times over).


Not being particularly knowledgeable about floral, photo realism, I contacted  Texas artist friend, WF (Bill) Martin who is a premier floral artist  from Glendale Arizona, and who has won many honours for his work including first prize in the Arizona State Fair.


When Bill looked at Jeanne d'Arc's, Orchids he immediately exclaimed, "I really appreciate that painting."


When I invited Bill to comment on the work he was quick to say,"Well, for one thing, I like the dimensionality of it, that has been created by selectively and gradually blurring the background as it recedes from the center of interest--the flower." He went on to say, "I also appreciate the lower-chroma colors, especially in the background", and The flower seems to pop right up from the canvas. There is also a strange, subtle sense of color harmony, created by the careful "scattering" of the lavenders around the painting."
Now these words come from one of the best photo realist floral artists in the States.


Speaking personally, I like the way Jeanne d'Arc, created an out of focus backdrop for her subject.  This compels the viewer to focus upon the subject and the contrast between the two heightens the impact of the work.


No wonder Canadians are taking notice of Jeanne d'Arc Gaudet.  I have a feeling that it won't be long before she is nationally recognized for her art.


Please click here to visit Bills' site.


Please click here to visit Jeanne d'Arc's website and to see her many other works.

Jeanne d'Arc Gaudet of Regina, Saskatchewan.

I have been hoping for some time now to be able to profile a Saskatchewan artist on 'The Portrait'.  But because of a smaller population,  Saskatchewan artists are few in numbers when compared to bigger provinces. But let me share this, 
Jeanne d'Arc doesn't take a back seat to any Canadian painter. She's got the magic touch.


Before, I present one of Jeanne d'Arc's works in a following posting, one is able to note that this lady is in a class of her own. Her website reveals that she has caught the attention judges in the past decade.  She has won 5 people's choice awards in art shows, and a solid representation of first place finishes in art shows.


Jeanne d'Arc lives with her husband Emile in Regina, but her roots can be traced back to the small French farming community of St. Denis, Saskatchewan where she was born and raised.  She and husband Emile, left Saskatchewan and moved to Vancouver where they stayed for many years, after which they moved back to their native province and recreated their life closer to their ancestral roots. This is where she lives today, doing what she loves best to do - creating beautiful art.


Jeanne d'Arc and her husband are surrounded by an abundance of relatives, (she and her husband count between them, 26 brothers and sisters). Jeanne d'Arc and Emile, have 4 adult children and 8 grandchildren. And somehow during the past decade she has managed to find time for her other great life passion - painting!


When it comes to painting, Jeanne d'Arc is the first to admit that orchids and children are her favourite subjects. And when the muse descends and she is in the groove she says that she is so happy that she feels like dancing.  Talk about a liberated spirit!


Jeanne d'Arc is inspired by such great artists as Van Gogh, Sargent, Degas, Renoir and Vermeer with whom she appreciates along with the old masters.


I admire Jeanne d'Arc's generosity of spirit, for she identifies artists such as  Canadian Harley Brown, and American artists Jeff Legg and William Whitaker along with the legion of new painters who she believes should find their place of fame in the art scene. Speaking personally, when you check out Jeanne d'Arc's website, you will find the kind of outstanding works that are earning her a solid reputation and presence in the Canadian painting community.  Please click here