SUNDAY AT THE HARBOUR. 40” X 50”, WATERCOLOR
Eric Girault was born in Jeremie on Haiti’s southern peninsula, on December 4, 1937. After his primary classes under Christian instruction, he completed his secondary education in Lycee Nord Alexis and College Saint Louis of Jeremie.
Girault had a passion for drawing at a very young age. Every year, the Lycee organized a drawing competition on the “Haitian Flag Day”. In 1956, he participated and won the Second Prize. In 1959, Girault moved to Port-au-Prince and met Isaa El Saieh, who encouraged him to join the Brochette Studio (School of Art). Girault studied there until 1961 and met the artist Lazard, Ti Ga and Cedor, who became his best friends.
Girault joined the Foyer Des Arts Plastiques in 1967. Two years later, he discovered his own impressionist style. The artist Jean Renee Jerome introduced him to art dealer Georges Nader. In 1973, Girault had his first exhibit with two other Haitian artists at the Nader Art Gallery and then participated in several international exhibits.
In 1976, Girault moved to the United State with his family and continued to paint. He did not change his style, but he watched American life and his works reflect it. Twelve of his productions were on view for the month of July, 1977 at: La Librarie De France” at Rockefeller Center. After this exhibit, French critic Jean Pigon took a few paintings to
Paris where they enjoyed a wild success.
In 1978, Girault participated with ten other Haitian artists in an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, where his paintings were a great hit. This show launched the successful recognition that Girault continues to enjoy today in the United States and abroad.
From 1980 through 2004 Girault was consistently active in exhibits several times a year at different galleries, museums, art events and fundraisers. (Source)
Painting, to me, is like a poem in color; it makes me feel that I am in constant communication with nature and others around me. I can’t imagine my life without painting. It really gives the illusion of “la joie de vivre”. (Source)
