It was most logical for Thierry Duval, who loved to draw pictures since childhood and was passionate about art, to graduate in Decorative Arts, become an illustrator, and join as a creative in a large advertising agency in Paris, France. Although he used the concept of comic strip narrative in his initial creations and worked on a few fanzines and other magazines, his newfound love was for pastel paintings.
This new passion got ignited when Duval was commissioned by the famous Italian restaurant in Paris, called ‘Raffaello’. The restaurant wanted copies of pastel paintings of the Renaissance Raffael. This provided him a chance to discover the works of the painter Delacroix, as also his passion for watercolor. Needless to say, this technique gave him great freedom of expression.
For Duval, East and Paris are two important sources of inspiration. His renderings of both are of the highest order of realism. However, it’s Paris that he really enjoys painting, such as the Seine in the early morning, light filtering below the decks, gleaming roofs of the city in the rain, silhouettes of majestic monuments…all a true reflection of this happening city.
Duval’s breathtaking watercolor paintings are not only accurate but also quite sensitive. His works bring out the beautiful urban scenes of the historic city of Paris. His play of colors and their variation is what makes his works so adorable. Little wonder he’s counted among the great British watercolor artists, such as James Holland, Thomas Shotter Boys, William Callow, William Turner, and the like.
On his website aquarl-duval.com, Duval explains, “My work is the fruit of a clever mix between hyperrealism and the poetry of the place represented.” His outstanding artworks have been exhibited around the world, such as in Palo Alto in California, USA, France, Japan, China, and many other countries.
Duval’s works were also selected for the 11th Biennale de Namur, the largest European exhibition of watercolor. His painting won the first prize at the 32nd Salon de Chartres and at the 32nd Salon of St. Germain Les Corbeil, both in 2011.
Thierry Duval
