The Art of Frenchy

Ashe County Library's photostream on Flickr.

The library’s upper-level reading area is also a gallery for local art. During the month of December, the art of Aurelien J. Tremblay, known as “Frenchy,” is on display. Frenchy’s colorful folk-art reflects country scenes from every season. His paintings are expressions of visions, inspired by his inner voice. Henry Ward Beecher once quoted: "Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures." This is certainly true of Frenchy and his art.

Frenchy moved here from Quebec, Canada with his wife about 12 years ago. He has always been a painter, but in his younger days he painted high bridges and tall buildings. This is dangerous work, but Frenchy was fearless and never had second thoughts about climbing to the top with a paint brush in hand. His wife always encouraged him to use his talents for painting pictures. When she passed away almost seven years ago he found a box his wife had put away for him. Inside the box were paints, brushes, and tools needed to begin a new life as an artist.

Frenchy compares painting to reading a book, “it is good exercise for using the imagination.” He doesn’t use models, but has a keen eye for details found in the natural world. In his studio he paints what he sees inside his head while remembering previously made observations. One thing Frenchy loves to do is paint with the people. You can find him at local gallery crawls and festivals with a blank canvas that is soon filled with contributions by all who stop to see his work. He especially enjoys seeing the creations of the children.
The embedded slideshow in this post includes a painting by “everyone” … made at the Ola Belle Reed Festival last fall. Frenchy has recently moved into a studio (soon to open) on West Jefferson’s main street. He looks forward to sharing his love of painting and art with everyone.

When asked about his favorite well-known artists, he mentions Van Gogh and Norman Rockwell. He likes the simplicity of Van Gogh and Rockwell’s use of expression. He echoes Beecher when stating that he admires all artists … referring to an artist as a “true person who lets a beautiful soul come out.”

Be sure to visit the library and see our beautiful art exhibition. You won’t want to miss a closer look at Frenchy’s originals.