I had the privilege to meet Martin Beaupré last night at the Midnight Sun gallery, in Morges, where he was doing a live painting exhibition. The crowded house had the chance to see him start a painting and ask questions. It was a really fun and informative evening.
Things I learned:
- “Il est sans dessins”, which means that he always starts his paintings without any sort of drawing. It just flows freeform
- He paints while listening to various asian-themed soundtracks, or sometimes taiko drums
- All his paintings are started upside-down, which also helps the freeform flow. Sometimes geishas become mountains, sometimes mountains become geishas
- He can have between 8 and 10 paintings on the go at the same time, because of all the layers they need and the various drying times that are required
- His wife is the one responsible for putting each individual Swarovski crystals
- The little monk symbolizes self-mastery. The green trees symbolize abundance and love of life. The red trees symbolize rebirth, an internal springtime. The mountains symbolize the elevation of the spirit.
