Claude A. Simard - Inspiration

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. 

A Visit With Claude Simard.

 

 

Thank you again, Claude, for continuing to inspire us all!

A visit with Claude Simard

December began with a delightful note from
 Claude Simard.
Seems this charming Canadian artist and I share a mutual love of painting & gardening. 
 

Claude Simard's paintings are a beautiful celebration of his love of life through the medium of acrylics on canvas and watercolor sketches.

His lush floral garden scenes & still life explode with light and color but behind each canvas is the meticulous research and discipline of a master artist.

"In my garden, there are peonies from my father and those of my aunt Theresa. There is blue flag iris that I gathered for my mother in the fields at Grenier." Claude Simard

His colors are in the finest traditions of the French Impressionists.

  The shapes dancing around his paintings give the feeling of spontaneity and excitement.

They carry his own unique radiant touch.
" Of course, the paintings are filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the taste of red wine, the memory of St-Rémy-de-Provence, of Paris."
 Claude Simard

After having a look at his fine gallery of work, I sent a note to Claude inviting him to stop by for a visit so that we could learn more about the life & the artistry of this charming & talented man.

 He politely obliged.

What subject matter seems to inspire you most?

"The garden... Nature... Touching the soil with my hands and feeling the warmth in spring...

Well, I see you are an avid gardener, might your idea of the perfect day include some time with your hands in the dirt?

Gardening is another form of painting, isn't it? You make up a picture from the elements you put together. Playing God!

I know of few things that can help cure your sorrows better than getting your hands into the garden soil.

My painting really began in my garden and moved elsewhere from there.

Even when Claude is doing watercolor sketches of Italy or the hills of Tuscany where he finds peace in the early spring, he is

 "Painting the idea of a garden I left behind."

I see that you gain much inspiration from traveling about. Do particular locations inspire you?

Tuscany and Provence (St-Rémy-de-Provence) are the places where I cannot stop sketching. We travel with understanding friends.

All I need is a box of watercolor and a good piece of paper. Walking around St-Rémy, you feel as though Vincent is checking over your shoulder and sometimes you can almost hear him passing comments about the blue one should use for the sky...

To my well being, I would say Good health. Love. Peace. And quiet too. Jean-Cébastien Bach Sonatas played by Yo-Yo Ma. Clean water flowing down the river. Pâté de foie gras and red wine. No champagne! A fresh patch of green grass where one can sit and think about Claude Monet or about a British racing green sports car zipping down a country lane...

To my success: Success is something I never looked for. It came as a gift from a love of life and nature maybe. From work and love of work. From one essential ingredient: perseverance.

I noticed your darling granddaughters are following in their grandfather's footsteps. 
Nothing is more fun than the kids when they invade the studio.

What about your family, tell us a bit about them.

My daughters. My darling daughters. Both in early thirties. Both married with 2 children.

Lucky them!

My life is my work and it is my family as you gathered yourself.

 Nothing is more relaxing than a cup of tea with Huguette, my dear wife, when she comes and sits in the studio for a few sips.

Here with grandson, Thomas.

I asked Claude to use three words to describe himself.  He sent me this photo with a short note saying,

"A picture is worth a thousand words, right?"

Claude Simard, you are a master painter & gardener, you are a fine husband, father, and grandfather. Indeed a very fortunate man. 
Your family knows it & now so do we!

Thank you so much for spending time with us this holiday season.

  Merry Christmas,

 Lisa

Enjoy this fascinating video of the artist at work. 

Visit the website of Claude A. Simard to learn more about his art, gardening, travels, and accomplishments some of which include:

Graduated Ontario College of Art (Design) 1966 (AOCA)
Apprenticeship British Motor Corporation, England, 1965
Elected Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, 1981 (RCA)
Founding member of Quebec Graphic Designers Society
and author of Society’s Code of Ethics
Professor Laval University, 1984-2001
Paintings on permanent exhibition in galleries across Canada

All photos, video, compliments of Claude A. Simard, AOCA,RCA