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Discover the powerful paintings of french artist Françoise Wattré
What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first realise that you wanted to pursue this career path?
My memories of how beautiful and fulfilling it is to paint go back to my childhood. I spent hours immersed in painting and reading, perhaps because I had severe asthma as a child and often could not keep up with the others in their games. Later I first studied linguistics and even later I was sure that my great love belonged to painting. To create moods and feelings with colours and shapes is always wonderful for me and it feels wonderfully holistic when the painting finds its collector and vice versa.
How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time?
I am interested in painting the flowing and light, the delicate and yet strong, the gentle color gradients and the forms from nature. I enjoy trying a lot with colour, so I explore a lot with different brushes and painting utensils and of course with the subjects of my paintings. My style certainly continues to change over the years, which I find quite natural. Just as we change as people, our preferences and aesthetics change. However, I think that my deep love for nature will always be found in my work.
What themes or ideas do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you?
In my art, as in life, I am interested in the impact that our environment and how we think and feel has on our well-being. Nature is very important for me, as it is for most sensitive, introverted people, to experience peace and to be able to reflect. That is why I like to paint nature sensations, such as the view of the sea, cloud formations and flowers. This happiness that we feel when we are at the sea or in the silence of nature and the strength that we draw from it fascinates me and I love to explore this in my work.
Who are some artists or other creative figures that have influenced your work, and how have they inspired you?
One of the most significant movements in painting history is the French Impressionist movement. These painters, including Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, were known for their vivid colours, loose brushstrokes, and their ability to capture the essence of a moment in time. One of the ways that these painters have influenced my own work is through their use of colour. I have always been fascinated by the way that colors can create mood and emotion in a painting. The Impressionists taught me to experiment with colour and to use it in unexpected ways.
How do you stay motivated and inspired when you hit a creative block or rough patch?
An important factor in staying motivated and inspired is your energy level. When you're feeling tired, depleted, or burned out, it can be difficult to summon the creative energy you need to produce new and interesting work.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists who are just starting out in their careers?
This is one of the important questions I encounter as an artist coach for HSPs and introverts. I think it's important that you enjoy your path as an artist and honor your individual steps. After all, it is a decision for many many years, usually decades. I think it's important to be nice to yourself and to consider what personality you are, what strengths and weaknesses you have and what exactly you want to achieve. When and how is the best time to work for you ? In a separate studio or should it be in the apartment or house where you live? What suits you? Do you want big exhibitions or are you afraid of the idea? There is much to explore in order to make life as an artist a beautiful part of the life one desires. I personally love to help young artists with this.
