Summary:
Claude Gauthier, an artist and former security officer in Monaco, paints vivid and detailed works that reflect his love for nature and the principality.
Full Story:
Claude Gauthier is an artist who has made a significant impact on the beauty and life of Monaco through his vibrant and detailed paintings. Known for his unique style, Gauthier’s work captures the essence of the principality with the precision of an entomologist and the sensitivity of a poet. His colorful and captivating paintings draw the viewer in, filled with intricate details that showcase his talent.
Gauthier’s studio, located near his cabinet of curiosities, is adorned with shelves of sketchbooks and mementos from years of artistic exploration, along with walls covered in paintings and photographs of significant moments in his life. The presence of the Princely Family adds a touch of prestige to this already enchanting space.
However, Gauthier’s art is not just for his own enjoyment. He paints to share his love for nature and Monaco’s way of life. His generosity is reflected not only in his paintings but also in his daily behavior. Gauthier passionately shares his vision of the world, his art, and his craftsmanship, always seeking to inspire and transmit his passion.
Born in 1939, Gauthier showed talent in painting from a young age. He pursued a career in the building industry before dedicating himself to painting, initially restoring the ceilings of beautiful homes in Beausoleil. After completing his military service, he became a holiday camp supervisor in 1962, where he met his wife Josette, with whom he has shared his life for 62 years.
Gauthier’s career took a turn when he chose to work in Monaco, joining the police force in 1964. Despite his full-time job, Gauthier continued to paint, waking up at 5 am each morning to create before going to work. As a self-taught artist, he developed his unique style, experimenting with colors and techniques.
Gauthier’s notoriety grew as his artwork caught the attention of art critics and curators, such as Anne Still Devroye, the curator of the International Museum of Naive Art Anatole Javkovsky. The turning point came when Princess Grace personally selected one of his paintings depicting the Principality at night for an exhibition in 1971. From that moment on, Gauthier’s exhibitions multiplied, gaining international recognition and strengthening his connection with the Princely Family.
Inspiration for Gauthier’s paintings comes from a variety of sources, including patterns in carpets, the surrounding nature, and his travels. Each detail he captures in his sketchbooks comes to life in his large-scale paintings, creating a dreamlike universe where reality and imagination intertwine. Gauthier’s artwork is a testament to the exceptional beauty of Monaco, capturing its essence in a unique and captivating way.
Working in tandem, Gauthier and his wife Josette complement each other’s talents. While Gauthier focuses on his art, Josette handles administrative tasks, jokingly referring to herself as the “control function.” Together, they embody joyfulness and colorful spirits, cherishing every moment and finding happiness in both small and grand aspects of life, which Gauthier skillfully translates into his paintings.
At 85 years old, Gauthier continues to paint nearly every day, dedicating himself to capturing the historical sites of the Grimaldi family. Over the past two years, he has created around sixty paintings depicting cities and territories connected to the Principality. His artwork extends beyond canvases, with his designs appearing on postcards, stamps featuring Monaco, and illustrations within various books.
In addition to his artistic career, Gauthier is actively involved in Monaco’s community. He is the Honorary Vice-President of the International Association of Plastic Arts at UNESCO, a founding member of the International Police Association’s Monaco chapter, and a founding member of the “Goûts et Saveurs” association, where he actively works to raise awareness about healthy eating and shares his love for cuisine.
Claude Gauthier’s dedication to his craft and his love for Monaco shine through in his vibrant and evocative artwork. His paintings capture the spirit of the principality, offering viewers a glimpse into its exceptional beauty.
Source:
Monaco Tribune
