Medium : oil

Pierre Bellemare holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic communications from Université Laval (1984) and a DCS in studio art from Cégep de Trois-Rivières (1981).

During his university studies, he had the privilege of studying illustration under such renowned painters as Claude A. Simard, Antoine Dumas, and Milos Reindl. A number of years earlier, he was taught by painter Normand Boisvert.

As a graphic designer he has worked for advertising agencies as well as for the Government of Canada, Radio-Canada, and the Quebec National Assembly.

In 1991 he founded Bellemare Design graphique. He completed numerous national and international projects, including the logo for the first world ecotourism summit organized by the United Nations. Certain publications for the event were produced in 5 languages and distributed in over 65 countries. In 2004 Pierre Bellemare received the Zénith Award for Excellence for a government communications campaign.

In 2000 he began working in the studio more intensively. Since 2005, his paintings have been shown in a variety of galleries in Canada and the United States. He has also taken part in group exhibitions in both Canada and Europe. In 2008 he was selected by the International Biennale of Contemporary Art in Florence.

Traveling is a source of inspiration and stimulation for Pierre Bellemare. The vibrant colors and warm harmonies he enjoys using in his works spring from his visits to a number of countries in Europe and Asia.

Pierre Bellemare’s paintings can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Statement :
As far back as I can remember, I have always painted. But I have made my career as a graphic designer, so my painting has always been influenced by my inner designer.

Over time shapes gradually gave way to color in and of itself. As the space on my easel became too limited, I increasingly felt the need to break away from frames, shapes, and canvases. It was time for a second studio that was larger, freer, full of potential. This new studio gave me an opportunity to express the very essence of my creativity. All of my prior knowledge, experience, and intuition now had free rein. My abstract canvases emerged and claimed their place. They let me give my all as each canvas is created in a series of colors and strokes. Sometimes the colors fight for room on the canvas; sometimes they come together. And shapes, instead of being predefined, are created in a singular quest for balance and beauty.

In my studio a perpetual, highly intense interaction occurs between the canvas and me until I am satisfied, until I feel I have given my all. At that moment everything has been said, everything is on the canvas. It now has a life of its own, be it spirited or serene, its own energy.

Beyond the joy of painting, the whole beauty of abstract art for me is the fact that it is boundless. Each person, regardless of their culture or background, can see themselves in it and experience their own emotions.

Group Exhibitions :
2009 Sélectionné pour la Biennale Internazionale dell'Arte Contemporanea, Florence, Italie
2008 Divins les Dix-XX, Galerie Michel-Ange, Montréal
2007 Carnets de voyages, Galerie Michel-Ange, Montréal
2006 Souvenirs de voyages, Galerie Michel-Ange, Montréal
2004 Château Beaufief, Mazery, France
2003 Musée du Château Dufresne, Montréal
2003 Complexe American Can, Montréal

Media Coverage :
Parcours, September-October Edition, pg. 108 Jacques Bélanger, Entre la fougue et l'apaisement, Magazine Parcours, nov. 2008 ; Répertoire des artistes canadiens, Biennal Magazin'Art 2006-2008 / 2009-2010 ; Agenda Art Québec 2007, Éditions Utilis ; Calendrier Art Québec 2007, Éditions Utilis ; Guide de Roussan, Marché de l'art au Québec, peintres et sculpteurs 2006.

Associations :
Membre de Landscape Artists International
Membre de Federation of Canadian Artists