Alain J. Picard
Alain J. Picard (born April 30, 1974) is an American figurative, landscape, and portrait painter and writer. He resides in Southbury, Connecticut.[1][2]
Alain J. Picard | |
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Born | |
Education | Art Students League of New York, Western Connecticut State University |
Known for | Portrait painting, Figurative painting, and Landscape painting |
Early life
Born in Stamford, Connecticut, he earned a bachelor of arts in illustration from Western Connecticut State University and studied at the Art Students League of New York.[3][4]
Career
Influenced by John Singer Sargent, Edgar Degas, and Joaquín Sorolla, Picard's work has been featured in The Artist's Magazine and The Pastel Journal and has been recognized by The Portrait Society of America, The Hudson Valley Art Association, The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, The Connecticut Pastel Society, and The Pastel Society of America.
In 2004, The Artist's Magazine highlighted Picard as one of the 20 contemporary artists “On the Rise.” In 2009, Picard's work was recognized with the “Best Portfolio Award” by the Portrait Society of America.[5]
He has written a series of art instructional books for Walter T. Foster Publishing, owned by The Quarto Group, including:
- Pastel Basics: Learn fundamental techniques for using this fun and colorful medium (2014)
- Mastering Pastel: Capturing the beauty of the world around you in this colorful medium (2015)
- Beginning Drawing: A multidimensional approach to learning the art of basic drawing (2016)
In addition, he has hosted a series of art instructional DVDs and videos for the Artist's Network, owned by F+W Media, including:
- Painting the Figure in Pastel (2014)
- Capturing Light and Color: Landscape in Pastel (2014)
- Capturing Light & Form: Still Life in Pastel (2014)
- Pastel Techniques for Painterly Portraits (2013)
- Painting Skin Tones in Pastel (2013)
- Essential Techniques for Pastel Portraits (2013)[6]
In 2013 and 2014 he collaborated with Terry Ludwig Pastels to create two unique Picard pastel sets.
Alain is a sought after workshop instructor throughout the United States and Europe. He is represented by Geary Gallery (Darien, Connecticut), River Road Gallery (Wilton, Connecticut), Portraits North (Lexington, Massachusetts), and Cecil Byrne Gallery (Charleston, South Carolina).[7][8]
Selected Works and Gallery
- "The Recital"
- "Alex"
- "South of Broad"
- "Glorious"
- "India"
- "Kevin"
- "Solomon's Bride"
- "Evelyn", Reflections of Hope: Rwanda
- "A New Day", Reflections of Hope: Rwanda
- "Looking Up", Reflections of Hope: Rwanda
- "Am I Beautiful?", Reflections of Hope: Cambodia
- "Sunrise Over Kampong Cham", Reflections of Hope: Cambodia
- "Apsara Dancer", Reflections of Hope: Cambodia
External links
- Alain J. Picard official website
- The Artist's Network Feature of Alain J. Picard
- Connecticut Pastel Society Biography of Alain J. Picard
- UArt Interview with Alain J. Picard
- UArt Underpainting Techniques with Alain J. Picard
- Western Connecticut State University Profile of Alain J. Picard
- Cecil Byrne Gallery
- Geary Gallery
References
- "Portrait Painting: The Heart of the Matter". The Artist’s Network.
- "Biography of Alain J. Picard". Connecticut Pastel Society Website.
- "Biography of Alain J. Picard". Connecticut Pastel Society Website.
- "Paintings by Alain Picard". Cecil Byrne Gallery Website.
- "10/10 Interview with Alain Picard". UART Premium Sanded Pastel Paper Website.
- "Alain J. Picard Studio Store". Official Website of Alain J. Picard.
- "Paintings by Alain Picard". Cecil Byrne Gallery Website.
- "Alain Picard". Geary Gallery Website.