Les Étourneaux, 2023

Claude Carretta  

Born in Paris on December 7, 1948.

A fan of drawing, particularly caricature, he discovered watercolour in 1990 and gradually became passionate about the play of colours and the freedom with which water disperses pigments and manages chance.

Above all, he seeks atmospheres, highlighted in the first phase of creation, then brings out the light in all its force through the play of contrasts.

A figurative painter, he works on diverse themes according to his imagination and explores new areas of discovery, in which atmosphere remains the common thread.

His meeting with Roland Palmaerts was decisive in his learning the secrets of colours and composition and in the practice of vigorous and creative watercolours which constitute the strength and singularity of this international artist.

His appointment in May 2010 as Master Palm'Arts confirmed the depth of this major artistic relationship and enabled him to provide training to new watercolourists.

Selected many times in various international exhibitions (Uckange, Coquelles, Le Teich, St Chamond, Thionville, Caussade, Wassy, Libramont, Estaimpuis and Namur in Belgium, Salonika in Greece), he regularly participates in regional and local exhibitions.

His paintings have also been regularly presented by two American watercolor societies NEWS, LWS and the Canadian Watercolor Society SCA, of which he was elected a signatory member in 2016, which awarded him the 2015 Jean-Paul Ladouceur Prize.

In addition, the magazine " " published an important report on his artistic work at the end of 2015.

Finally, the Academic Society for Encouragement and Education has just awarded him the Vermeil medal.

He has been registered with the Maison des Artistes since 2005 and participates in the dissemination of watercolor among adults through teaching; he also chaired the Aquarelle Reims Evénement association for more than six years, which worked to organize international events in Reims.