Acrylic on canvas panel by Paul Bonneau 

Working en plein air and in the studio from sketches, Paul creates work that is fresh and directly painted. The simple and concrete shapes allow

for strong contrasts of light and shadow, which seems to justify the intensification of color. He is looking for what is universal and trying to heighten the visual experience for the viewer. 

Bonneau’s work has been awarded a first place in impressionism/ landscape by the American Art Awards and included in invitational shows at the New Bedford Art Museum, the Danforth Museum, the Ogunquit Art Association, the Rotenberg Gallery “Selected Boston Artists” show, the Maine College of Art, and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust auction.

He has also has been featured in the “Canvas” section of Maine Magazine. They have recently included him as one of Maine’s artists to watch. Along with solo and juried group shows, Paul contributes to many benefit auctions.

Often referred to as “colorist”, he starts with a canvas toned in yellow ochre onto which he applies a thin under painting of cadmium red, in order to establish the values and large shapes before moving on to the application of local color. His use of the complements give the finished work a vibration and a warm glow. He states, “I try to keep the memory of a place that makes an impression on me. My goal is to capitalize on the joy in even a seemingly ordinary object or scene.”

Paul received his training through independent study at the Museum of Fine Arts, in Boston, the New England School of Art and Design and the University of Massachusetts.

Image: 9"x12"

Frame 11.5"x14.5"