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Patrice Brunet
W
ITH A PALETTE KNIFE and over- One of Birmingham’s
whelming passion, Patrice emerging artists
Brunet creates works of art that
B Y C I N DY R I L E Y
both captivate and inspire.
P H OTO B Y K A R I M S H A M S I - BA S H A
“I hope my paintings bring
people pleasure and joy. When
I find someone who understands my Born in Normandy, France, Patrice moved to the U.S. in 1999,
work, it’s a wonderful feeling,” explains the 44-year-old former art relocating to Birmingham from Pensacola in 2003. He’s been painting
and antiques dealer. “Painting is my freedom – not a job or a rou- full-time for more than two years, working in his studio every day.
tine. Some days I am compelled to create, and feel I can do it “I don’t know how long it takes to complete a piece” says
non-stop, day and night.” Patrice, who studied under Belgian artist Mean Florin. “I just
paint depending on how I feel.
“I love experimenting with tex-
ture–making contrasts, shadows, and
playing with the material,” he says. “I’m
inspired by Impressionists Degas, Corot,
Monet and Renoir, as well as Gericault,
Delacroix, Rembrandt and Vermeer. I
don’t try to copy them. I do not paint to
be recognized as far as themes or styles.”
Patrice has won recognition, how-
ever, for the breathtaking Cathedral
Series that holds deep meaning for him.
“I never miss an occasion to visit a
church and pray when I’m back in my
country,” he says. “I love the ambience,
the atmosphere, and the spirit. When
you are in a cathedral you have an idea
what it is to be in God’s hands and be
close to Him. You surrender, as it’s so
MARCH 2008 • 65
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