J & W Gallery is proud to represent one of the most innovative and passionate artists of our time.

COLOR, MOVEMENT, SENSUALITY

Born in Arthabaska, Quebec, Colette Hébert began painting as a child. In 1970 the artist began studying with Leslie Shalk, a student of Matisse. Her early paintings, influenced by Shalk and other impressionists, are dramatically different from her powerful and unique work of today. "I stopped, and from that moment on I started to create my own identity"

In the fall of 1993, a trip to New York City was the catalyst. It inspired the artist to create the exciting and fluid work for which she is now famous.

Working primarily on aluminum or masonite, she pours the paint on the flat "canvas". Because the "canvas" does not absorb paint, the media (oil, acrylic, gold leaf, ink, etc..) creates interesting textures, which add dimension and uniqueness to the piece. Using a spatula and her own hands, the artist moves the media into the swirls and shapes synonymous with her work.

"I don't plan anything, that is why I am pouring and working very quickly. All of a sudden a face or body appears and I go with it; I never know where the paint will take me".

Hébert's subjects are centered around the most perfect form: the human body, most often female. A sweep of her hand or spatula turns the paint into a sensual back or goddess-like face. The energy of the artist directly moves from her hands to the creation of the work.

The result is art so original in its execution that it defies conventional classification. The artist likes to call the work simply "New Figuration" and titles each one with the word "movement" and a number denoting the month, day and year of the piece. " I am painting constantly, I don't have time to title paintings! I am an artist; painting to me is as essential as eating and drinking".

Through her travels and Gallery representation in the United States, Canada and Europe, Colette Hebert has amassed a dedicated following. Her clients religiously attend all of her annual "sellout" shows all over the world and are never disappointed. The artist's work takes its viewers to another world, full of color, beauty and energy, an extension of the artist herself.

Movement #A317-1 35x17