Marcel Franquelin
United States
Biography
Marcel Franquelin received a traditional artistic education in France, at Les Beaux-Arts
and the University of Lille, before teaching art and art history in France and later in the
United States. After producing copies of masterpieces for five years, he specialized in
traditional glazing techniques typical of the nineteenth century masters.
Coming to the United States in 1986, he immediately feel in love with the country and
rapidly acquired an audience for his realistic work. First through local galleries in New
Jersey, such as the Délann Gallery, the Garth Davidson Gallery, the Image Gallery, his
work gets collected by a growing clientele, including the famous art collector Howard
Tullman and corporation such as Whyeth Pharmaceuticals. Later on, he is displayed in
New York City at the Ambassador Gallery, the Stricoff Gallery and the Sherry French
Gallery as well. Several art publications (American Artist, International Artist, etc.) and
many art websites have made his work known internationally.
Several art competitions (Salmagundi notably) got his talent recognition and exposure as
well.
With over 35 years of experience in Realism, Marcel Franquelin now teaches and paints
in his atelier near Princeton, New Jersey,, where he has several dedicated followers.
"Art is illusion"
I have always been fascinated by the visual impact that comes from the works of the
Masters; their paintings are magic, bringing you "elsewhere", way past the simple surface
of a canvas. I was trained very traditionally at "Les Beaux-Arts" in France, and spent my
life studying and teaching art. I understand that realism is not about the truth, but rather
the illusion of the truth: paint strokes, along with a well thought palette will bring magic
to the viewers, making them want to touch the illusion of a three dimensional object,
wonder about the life-like vision of a portrait. I believe it is the artist's mission to make
one look "again" at the marvels of our world, to make one stop and contemplate, think,
dream and imagine.
I truly believe that art is not in the content, but rather in the delivery: an idea, a vision,
just like a play for theater, can be either boring or quite entertaining, revealing or even
fascinating; it is all about how well 'directed" the representation will be.
I do not intend to shock, shake or upset anyone looking at my work, I do not seek
stardom, I just share my visual interests, my fascination for life and my passion for the
arts.
Marcel Franquelin
* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 15th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.