VÉRONIQUE DU BOISROUVRAY | 1ST PLACE
2024 PASTELS COMPETITION
1st Place Winning Entry, 2024 Pastel Competition
Véronique du Boisrouvray, “La Boîte à Thé,” pastel
Véronique du Boisrouvray
Véronique du Boisrouvray, a self-taught French portrait artist, had always created chalk or graphite drawings of her children. But later in life she found her true passion when she discovered pastel and with it, color.
Boisrouvray’s award-winning art has been exhibited at the European Museum of Modern Art and the Grand Palais in Paris. She was a finalist many times in the international ModPortrait competition and is a Signature Member in the Pastel Society of America, Master Circle in the International Association of Pastel Societies, and a member of the Société des Pastellistes de France and the Art du Pastel en France. Boisrouvray talked with us about her art and technique.
Véronique du Boisrouvray, “La Petite Grappilleuse,” pastel
How did you discover pastels and what impact have they had on your work?
I had made a few attempts with pastels but wasn’t satisfied. It was the chance discovery of pastel accessories, particularly Pastelmat, that enabled me to grasp this medium. Since then, I'm always amazed at what I can achieve with it: luminous pigments that create strong contrasts between light and shadow, soft gradations, and I can capture the model’s expression and personality with precise details.
Véronique du Boisrouvray, “Pays de l’Aven,” pastel
What do you like best about realism?
It's a natural attraction. I like my models to come to life on paper with spontaneity, and for their expression and features to reflect reality. I'm reassured that all the elements are in the right place. My aim is to transcribe not only a face, but also a temperament, a sensitivity, a character trait.
What inspires you most about portraiture?
I've always been fascinated by portraits and human representation. The shape of a cheek, the nuances of the skin, an attitude, a look, a piece of clothing, all make me want to get out my pastels! The variety of faces and expressions is inexhaustible and a source of inspiration. When viewers are touched by a portrait, they are also touched by the story it evokes, and it's a pleasure for me to try to tell them that story.
Véronique du Boisrouvray, “Anna,” pastel
In your work “La Boîte à Thé,” what was your approach and your intent?
This painting represents my favorite model. It’s an interior scene and I added objects like the tea caddy and the candle to open up the viewer's gaze and make the painting more than just a representation of a face. I wanted bright colors.
The fuchsia kimono was a perfect match and the contrast with the black box created harmony. Light is very important here, illuminating the scene while leaving areas of shadow to bring warmth and intimacy. The woman’s attitude and expression, her gaze toward the light, and the movement she’s about to make raise questions and allow the viewer to imagine what happens next.
All artwork © Véronique du Boisrouvray, shared with permission.