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Eric Girault 44.5"x 24" La Saline au Couchant 1971 Oil on Canvas Unframed Painting #1EE

Eric Girault 44.5"x 24" La Saline au Couchant 1971 Oil on Canvas Unframed Painting #1EE

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Description

La Saline au Couchant captures the working harbor of La Saline in Port-au-Prince at the close of day, a fleet of wooden schooners crowded together as the sun drops low behind their crossed masts and rigging. Painted in 1971, the canvas belongs to the pivotal early years of Eric Girault's career, just two years after he arrived at his signature impressionist style while working out of the Foyer des Arts Plastiques. Girault builds the scene with his characteristic palette knife, layering thick, textured strokes to render weathered hulls, hand painted boat names, and the glow of a setting sun through a haze of clouds. Figures move quietly across the decks, unloading cargo and mending sail, grounding the composition in the daily rhythm of Haiti's maritime trade. La Saline has long been one of Port-au-Prince's most vital commercial waterfronts, and Girault, born in Jeremie and drawn to the sea throughout his career, returned to its harbors often as subject matter. This particular painting comes from a private collection in California. We will provide a Certificate of Authenticity.

About this artist

Eric Girault was born in Jeremie on Haiti's southern peninsula on December 4, 1937. Girault is called "The Vibration of Life." After his primary classes under Christian instruction, he completed his secondary education in Lycee Nord Alexis and College Saint Louis of Jeremie.

Girault had a passion for drawing at a very young age. Every year, the Lycee organizes a drawing competition on the "Haitian Flag Day." In 1956, he participated in and won the Second Prize.

In 1959, Girault moved to Port-au-Prince and met Issa El Saieh, who encouraged him to join the Brochette Studio (School of Art). Girault studied there until 1961 and reached the artist Lazard, Ti Ga, and Cedor, who became his best friends.

In 1962, Girault met the Maurice Brothers (Haitian Sculptors), who introduced him to the gallery "Artist Fingers." He became acquainted with the artist Jolicoeur and during this period, Girault composed poem about the sea and the beach. The same year, he participated in the Paintings Competition, which the ESSO patronized.

Girault joined the Foyer Des Arts Plastiques in 1967. Two years later, he discovered his impressionist style. The artist Jean Renee Jerome introduced him to art dealer Georges Nader. In 1973, Girault had his first exhibit with two other Haitian artists at the Nader Art Gallery and then participated in several international exhibitions.

In 1976, Girault moved to the United States with his family and continued to paint. He did not change his style, but he watched American life, and his works reflect it. Twelve of his productions were in view for July 1977 at La Librairie De France" at the Rockefeller Center. After this exhibit, French critic Jean Pigeon carried a few paintings to Paris where they enjoyed wild success.

In 1978, Girault participated with ten other Haitian artists in an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, where his paintings were a great hit. This show launched the successful recognition that Girault continues to enjoy today in the United States and abroad.

From 1980 through 2004 Girault was consistently active in exhibits several times a year at different galleries, museums, art events, and fundraisers. Since then, his activity has slowed down significantly due to his impaired vision from glaucoma and macular degeneration. Today, he continues to be inspired and creates art every day in his studio in New York City.

Reserved, shy and modest are the first impressions of Eric Girault, who is one of today's best models of a Haitian Impressionist painter. Amongst his many collectors' include Mr. Aristotle Onassis, Mr.Nelson Rockefeller, and Mr. Giscard d'Estaing (former President of France) to name a few. Eric Girault artworks are mentioned in all essential Haitian art books.

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