Personal Background
Born on July 7, 1974, in the scenic town of Cagnes-sur-Mer in the vibrant Côte d’Azur region of southern France, Alexandre Renoir hails from a rich artistic lineage. His hometown, notable as the retreat and final residence of his illustrious great-grandfather, the French Impressionist master Pierre-Auguste Renoir, provided a fertile environment for his upbringing. At the age of four, Alexandre and his family relocated to Western Canada, where his early exposure to art fostered a lifelong passion.
Surrounded by the artistic legacy of his family and steeped in French culture from an early age, Alexandre's creative talents flourished. Encouraged by his parents, he pursued formal training in art-oriented schools and classes, including the Virginia Park School and the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts in Edmonton, Alberta. Alexandre's exploratory spirit led him to dabble in various artistic disciplines, from goldsmithing and jewelry design to graphic design, photography, and theater arts.
In 2004, Alexandre's artistic journey took a significant turn when he was offered the opportunity to pursue painting full-time by a prestigious publisher in Beverly Hills, California. This marked a pivotal moment for Alexandre, as he embraced his true calling and devoted himself wholeheartedly to a career in painting.
Over the ensuing twenty years, Alexandre embarked on a global odyssey, showcasing his artwork in numerous galleries and exhibitions around the world. A consummate storyteller and custodian of family lore, Alexandre affectionately refers to himself as the "family gossip," sharing lesser-known anecdotes and insights with those who visit him.
Currently residing in Northern California with his son Felix, beloved wife Maria, and step-daughter Julia, Alexandre Renoir continues to cultivate his artistic vision from his home and studio in the Sunshine State. Immersed in a world of art, life, and love, the Renoir family remains deeply intertwined with creativity and expression.
Style and Artistic Approach
Alexandre Renoir's artistic style is deeply rooted in Impressionism, a movement pioneered by his ancestor, yet his approach and technique diverge significantly from those of his great-grandfather. While Pierre-Auguste Renoir captured the essence of French lifestyle, culture, and landscapes with intricate detail, Alexandre's focus lies in creating looser, nature-inspired compositions.
In contrast to Pierre-Auguste's jest about the limited utility of a palette knife, Alexandre exclusively employs palette knives in his painting process, even designing custom knives to achieve his desired effects. Eschewing the traditional method of mixing paints on a palette, Alexandre opts to blend colors directly on the canvas, resulting in vibrant hues not commonly associated with 19th-century Impressionism. His preference for thick impasto texture imbues his paintings with a sense of dimension and depth, reminiscent of the Impressionist emphasis on capturing light.
Echoing Pierre-Auguste's penchant for bright and joyful artworks, Alexandre adheres to his great-grandfather's philosophy of focusing on the pleasant and serene aspects of life. Embracing this sentiment, Alexandre aims to convey a sense of delight and tranquility in his paintings, steering away from portraying life's unpleasantness.
For more information about Alexandre Renoir and his artwork, please visit Park West Gallery website. Presently, all of Alexandre Renoir's art is available for sale exclusively through Park West Galleries: