André Bourrie

André Bourrie, one of France’s foremost contemporary masters, is a distinguished maritime and landscape artist. Bearing the distinction of official Painter for the French Navy, he has received innumerable awards, including he Gold Medal of the prestigious “Salon de la Marine” and the Gold medal of the “Salon des Artistes Francais”

Born in Montpellier, France in 1936, Bourrie was abandoned by both his father (in 1941) and his mother (in 1945). He then lived alone until an uncle placed the young Bourrie in an orphanage. It was this harsh period that proved critical to his coming of age and was quite possible the most important influence in his becoming an artist. It was during this period that Bourrie developed an affinity for his immediate surroundings – in his words, “ listening to a place and a moment in time”. It is these intuitive characteristics that are today reflected in his paintings.

Without parental security and guidance, the young Bourrie found solace and joy on colors, light, textures and forms. It is not a coincidence that he became a self taught artist with such a melancholic start in life. Working as a ceramist in adolescence, Bourrie gave this up after a philanthropist offered to provide him with a formal education. Bourrie then sought a career with more of an artistic initiative. He immersed himself in the world of artists and creations, sharing ideas and styles. For years he lived outdoors, traveling and exploring the harbors, seaside’s and beaches of the French Riviera, Vendee and the Languedoc region of France.

Working as a decorative painter, Bourrie devoted his leisure time to drawing and painting “for himself”. It was only when he felt ready that he decided to present his paintings in art shows. In 1979 – six years after being presented with the Silver Medal of the Salon des Artistes Francais; Andre Bourrie felt secure enough to leave the constraints of full time employment.

Today, Andre Bourrie is renowned for his magnificent paintings of the French countryside and seaside. His original oil paintings are represented in the United States and Europe and have been exhibited extensively in Paris as well as New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, London, Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities. His work has also been acquired for the permanent collections of La Ville de Versailles and Le Musee Corot de Ville d’ Avray.

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