Andrée Marchessault

Early life:
Born in Montreal, raised in St-Lambert, I have also lived in Sherbrooke, Montreal, Lyon (France) and Ottawa. Both French and English were languages spoken at home and throughout my education. I witnessed my mother’s creativity in her love of art and what appeared to be a fearless interest in developing different skills. My father’s passion, outside of his profession, was for music. Their obvious enjoyment of the arts was a strong influence for me.

During my career:
Always present in me was an appreciation for the creative spirit and the ability others displayed whether it be talent to play an instrument, sing, write, paint, dance…  As a teacher in French Immersion and Special Education in Montreal and Ottawa, I had the pleasure of assisting and observing as the children learned new skills. Their creations -drawings, stories, paintings, acting and writing- were always fascinating to me. I felt it a privilege to see each child’s creative style, interests and personality. My interest in art grew again in the early 1990s when I had my own daughters, as I wished to be able to teach them skills of their own. Around the year 2000, I signed up for my first art class. Acrylic was the medium chosen. Starting with small goals, often feeling like a child learning to write, I approached this adventure with apprehension and an open mind.

Now:
Having pursued this interest in art periodically over the years, I continue to attend classes and workshops, broadening my interests and acquiring new skills that I can apply to painting. I have been particularly influenced, while attending the numerous workshops, by the teachers’ skills as well as those skills of my artist classmates. I presently paint with oils: landscapes, street scenes and still life are my preferences…for now. I feel that certain colour palettes are soothing and I tend to lean toward my favourite colours with my work. It needs to look right to me. Thank you! To each of the teachers that I have learned from on this journey. Each has guided me out of my comfort zone and helped me build confidence along the way. I am grateful to have had these opportunities to branch out, remain motivated and encouraged artistically during this period of return to art. Following the encouragement of an artist classmate, I registered for the Certificate Program at the Ottawa School of Art in Orleans. Staff have been a wonderful support and guidance during this new adventure. I have since completed the Arts Fundamentals Certificate Program and I am thoroughly enjoying broadening my interests and developing new skills. Artists that continue to inspire me are: Alfred Sisley, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, James W.Morrice, Clarence Gagnon, Raynald Leclerc, TomThomson, Helen McNicoll…Also, inspiring and exciting to me are viewing exhibits at home and abroad.