Artist Spotlight

Artist Spotlight: Yves Lanthier

by James Cubby

Name: Yves Lanthier

City: Miami, Palm Beach and Montreal

Birthplace: Quebec, Canada

Artistic Medium: Oils on canvas

How did you get started?
My gift was realized at the age of six during a first grade drawing class. An assignment was given to sketch a person. Without any thought, I moved to the front of the class and started drawing my teacher, portrait style (I must admit I had a little boy crush on her, so this seemed natural!). I was so involved, when I woke out of my trance, to my surprise, almost the entire class was surrounding me, admiring my Rembrandt style sketch!
Who or what are your influences?

I was enlightened while studying the works and individual styles of the great Renaissance Masters. Late into the night drawing and experimenting with painting techniques, poring over illustrated books. I felt as if the masters themselves were there teaching and guiding me! I foresaw myself, through the stages of my life, traveling to different parts of the world- living free and fulfilling my deepest desires and passions.
What inspires your work?

My journey began in St. Jerome, Quebec and continued on to India and the Himalayas in the early 1970s, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris and Italy before returning to North America in the 1980s. This vagabond existence helped shape me into the artist I am today. Everywhere I went, I saw the world as a painter would see it.  As I traveled and each new scene unfolded, I would meditate on how I would transfer that vision onto canvas. Experimenting how paint colors, light and shadows could be mixed and blended emphasizing the lines of perspective bringing those visions alive again.

How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
I was influenced by the light and colors that South Florida delivers on almost a daily basis! As the scale of my commissioned homes grew into mansions and estates, the scale of my artwork grew along with it to fill the massive walls.

How would you describe your work?
I am a visionary artist. In my paintings you can find a continuous quest for unique achievement. Above all, my paintings symbolize a spiritual statement completely inspired and created from within that will remain through time, even after I am gone. It is a message of faith for all the children of the universe.

What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
A recent comment I heard that touched my heart at the last Art Fair was, “Wow, this is the art I was looking for, it lures me to think and question deep down about the meaning of life.”
What would you like to achieve as an artist?

An artist’s path can be very difficult at times, especially at the beginning of their career. Hard work and perseverance help to shape one on their journey. Creativity rises from every aspect of your being and that experience transcends from your paint brush onto the canvas. I hope this message will inspire all the art-felt children of the world to never give up their dreams.

Upcoming shows:
December 2-5, 2010 (during Art Basel Miami Beach)
Peter Miller Hotel, 1900 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.610.0600 or http://www.undergrundart.com/.

Where is your work available?
Yves Art Studio online: http://www.yvesart.com/GalleryYL.php
Art & Framing Warehouse, 108 N W 20th St., Boca Raton, 561.362.5450.
Artisan Gift Gallery, 118 S. Palmetto Ave, Sanford, 407.323.9272.