The low-lying Saintonge is bathed in the light of the Atlantic atmosphere, which softens its chromatic shades under the oceanic sky. Joël Augereau was born and grew up there, near Royan, a well known seaside resort. The nearby countryside led him, when he was still a child, to experiment, mainly from memory and with more or less great effect, his first self-taught combinations, using gouache.

After attending a fine arts course in Caerleon-Newport (Wales), where he studied the techniques in which he was interested, as well as some others, he returned to Saintonge in 1981. He eventually chose to only use oil paintings on linen, inspired by its scent, brightness and texture.

While contemplating his future life path, in 1982 he discovered by chance a Middle Age village located in south-west France, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, with its superb surroundings. He decided to settle for a short time but, as he was about to leave Beaulieu, he met the muse and soul mate of his life.

They still live together, by the Dordogne River, with its pure water which flows down from the mountains alongside the village, leaving behind it a few islands, one of which being a desert one. The Dordogne River, in all its seasons, has been a strong inspiration for some of his work.

A few years ago, he initiated the “Salon d’été de Beaulieu”, where he exhibits his paintings with well renowned painters, sculptors and engravers. He also participates in all the exhibitions organised by the “Ecole de la Loire” International Academy, of which he now is one of the associate members.
The Beaux-Arts National Society, which has recently awarded him with the painting prize, displayed one of his paintings (Dec. 2007) at the Carrousel du Louvre. Since 2007, he appears in the French “Larousse” painter’s quotation dictionary, covering the Renaissance period to current times.

New Exhibits:

Salon de Printemps of the Fine Arts Society, at Moulin de la Bièvre, in  L'Haÿ-les-Roses (Val-de-Marne), from may 13 to may 27 2009.