Gérard Blain

Gérard Blain, born in 1938, is an artist with an atypical career. Coming from a modest family, having stopped his studies very early, he became a waiter, a job he would exercise for many years before opening his own restaurant with his wife. At the same time, he writes, draws and paints, then even tries his hand at sculpture. This self-taught artist learns by mimicry, by reproducing the great masters but also his moving cat. In 1970, when he began to exhibit his work, he very quickly won his first prize. The rewards abound, in particular the Young Painting Prize awarded by the great Drouant gallery which in particular spotted the talent of a certain Bernard Buffet. This recognition even attracted Japanese dealers who exported his works to Asia. The style of this passionate and talented autodidact has evolved over time and in particular since the death of his wife. Before, he painted what he saw, since then he painted what he feels. This overflowing creativity has become a necessary means of expression. After a darker and more tormented phase in his work, he is now working on humoristic drawings, not unlike an artist he particularly admires: Sempé. Which leads us to conclude this portrait with a phrase from Gérard Blain: "Life must be funny".