Historical Vignettes
Claude Picard: Creator of Emotions
Claude Picard has many achievements and awards of artistic recognition to his credit. For instance, he contributed to the Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Acadian Deportation by Canada Post (1755-2005), by means of a cover entitled 'First Official Day', which accompanied a 50¢ stamp designed by Pierre-Yves Pelletier. He was also inducted in the Edmundston Arts Hall of Fame on November 5th, 2006, a sign of recognition for the body of his work and his historical contribution.
Born in Edmundston, N.B. in 1932, he has to his credit a colossal body of work, which includes 23 large historical and religious works of art, as well as several portraits, which are his speciality. He uses several medias: watercolour, pastel, oil, acrylic, charcoal, and ink. For him, an outing in nature provides inspiration. He returns to his workshop with multiple new ideas. It is as if there were voices in the wind, in the cries of the animals, in the murmur of the insects and the brooks. He pursues a concept, which he always hopes he can access. When he paints, he relaxes; he finds a deeply felt happiness, truly stimulating. He loves creating emotions and expressions with his paintbrushes, and that is why human characters are such a source of inspiration for him. He is one of the rare artists earning a living by means of his art.12
So today, Claude Picard sill shares his life and his passions through his paintings. And to this day, still totally abandons himself to the creative process he undertakes. He creates his masterpieces in a studio annexed to his house, a cosy and charming place, overflowing with works of art and findings of all sorts, which revive in him fond memories.