Get To Know Isabelle Beaubien
Canadian abstract painter Isabelle Beaubien answers questions from the Artogone Team about travelling and studying as a young artist. Continue reading to learn how Beaubien’s techniques have changed over time and which experiences have helped shape her career.
Artogone: Color is a key component of your abstract works. Can you tell us more about how you build a palette that feels harmonious to you?
Isabelle Beaubien: To be honest it does not always work. It has been a long road of trial and error. Obviously, I have been working on it for some time now, so I have a better understanding of how to display my color for it to nicely blend. This actually came from trying, trying and trying, and from a basic knowledge of color mixing. I would try a painting, rip off the canvas and do it again, because the colors were not working out together. Stretching canvas is a big part of my work, so there is no real secret except to keep working and to know your basics!
As an artist that has travelled and lived in different cities worldwide, which journey has inspired you the most?
When I was 20 years old, I participated in an exchange student program with Concordia University. I went to study in an Art School in France. The school system is very different over there and the concept of classes did not really exist. They gave me a studio and there you go.
But they also told me: “Go travel around Europe, go see the museum. You will learn more that way than looking at some books and will ensure you get good grades.” So that is exactly what I did. I travelled all around Europe with my backpack and I got to see the best of the best. The Sistine Chapel, The Tate Modern and Britain, The Reina Sofia, the Venice Biennale, The Guggenheim in Venice and Berlin, The Botticelli in Florence just to name a few. It was just incredible, probably the best experience in my life! It was as if all the art history classes I ever had were right in front of me. I learned more in that year than during the rest of my undergraduate program. Every time I would come back to my studio after a trip, I was still mesmerized by everything I saw during my travels that I think being inspired was an understatement at that point!
Do you tend to draw inspiration from artistic disciplines outside visual arts?
I can’t work or live without music – I think it’s a big part of my process. Maybe that’s why lots of DJs buy my circle; there must be something in there! But I also really like street art and graffiti. The colors they choose are so vibrant, so I think sometimes you can see that boldness in my own paintings.
What piece of advice would you have liked to receive as a young artist?
Believe in yourself, in your work, show it to many people, listen to criticism and try to grow from it! The art world is very though, and more often than not, you will feel rejected. But don’t give up because of rejection, keep going and always keep fighting!
What would you like people to remember about your art and the way it is created?
I would love them to think about it as very unique, powerful and possibly intriguing.
Is there anything else you’d like Artogone users to know?
Dreams can come true! I know it sound cliché but it’s true and when once it’s happened – it’s just amazing!
Discover the artworks currently available in the artist’s studio:
