Every now and then we’ll chat via email. When he’s at home, conversations are about summer & winter, gardening & grandchildren, Windsor & Newton, Labradors & life on the lake.
His Cultivated Garden.
His Supplies.
His Labrador named Flanelle.
When he’s traveling, conversations vary from market day in St-Rémy-de-Provence to his preference of Châteauneuf du Pape over champagne and he’ll always include a beautiful sketch or a snapshot.
“Here is proof I've been working hard in Paris for the past two weeks. Claude A”
This one, most likely taken by his muse, his beautiful wife Huguette, at a café where he recently spent his days sketching the beauty of the city. He wrote,
“No Eiffel towers, I promise!”
In the Spring of 2011, his beautiful new book arrived at my doorstep. I was flattered by the expression of such a kind gesture, and at the same time humbled by the sincerity of the handwritten note inside. Thank you, Claude.
The book, titled Inspiration is an observation of life guided by the heart, seen through the eyes, and painted by the hand of Claude A. Simard.
A delightful foreword by Alan Klinkhoff and illustrated with 125 color plates, this collection of paintings & tales of travel are both elegant and charming!
Huguette in Blue | Claude A. Simard
Acrylic on canvas 2001, 30 x 36’’
Barberino | Claude A. Simard
Ink and watercolor on paper 2007, carnet d’Italie
His paintings borrow the soft lavender of the countryside. Shades from buff to whitish-gray are reflected in the architecture.
Roadside House | Claude A. Simard
Watercolor on paper 2010, 8 x 11’’
The rich ochre of an ancient farmhouse atop a beautiful hill overlooking vineyards under a big blue cerulean sky.
En marchant avec Rosalina dans le vignoble de Montalpruno | Claude A. Simard
Ink and watercolor on paper 2002, carnet d’Italie
Mr. Simard’s Inspiration animates his vision and gives the reader much more than a casual glance at his subjects. This man is also quite the raconteur. His lively stories of sojourns with family and friends & his charming character had me sitting at his table and ordering another glass of Châteauneuf du Pape! 
Claude and I became acquainted a couple of years ago when he emailed to say, “Happy Holidays!” and tell me that he was a new reader! I clicked the link to his website & instantly fell in love with his work! I was thrilled when he agreed to sit down for a visit with TLPC so that we could learn more! You can read my in-depth interview with this most charming man here.
Thank you again, Claude, for continuing to inspire us all!
