INSPIRING INDIVIDUAL
Weston Artist Completes Prestigious Art Residency in France BY STACEY BOMSER
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s a young artist, Patricia Beltran was inspired by the masterpieces of Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir. She dreamed of one day visiting France to paint in the same surroundings as these famous impressionists. That dream became a reality this past summer, when Beltran was awarded the Denis Direrot Grant to attend the prestigious Chateau d’Orquevaux Artist Residency in Champagne – Ardenne, France. She was accepted from among 400 applicants worldwide. “The experience of being in France and realizing I was surrounded by so much art history from famous artists was an incredible feeling,” shares Beltran. “The Chateau d’Orquevaux and its surroundings were breathtaking. So much history. It is definitely a magical place.” She says she was particularly awed by the architecture. “As an artist with a background in architecture and design, I fell in love with the details of the interiors and the landscaping. In France, the green is definitely greener than other places I have been so far.” During the two weeks of her art residence, Beltran was able to capture the beauty of the surroundings and create some memorable art pieces. “Looking at the French environment, I can say I have learned as an artist how to appreciate even more the colors that nature gives us. The amazing contrasts of colors and texture between the greens in the trees, yellows and browns of the wheat fields, the blue variations of the water, and the beautiful orange and red shades on the French poppy flowers in the roadside. On
my paintings, I try to capture and express myself through colors and this experience has inspired me even more to explore the beauty of colors and different textures.” In addition to her surroundings, Beltran says she was inspired by her fellow residents. The program accepts artists from around the world who shared their talent and cultures. “In the art residence at the Chateau d’Orquevaux, part of the program included an Open Studio Day where all the artists came to visit each other’s studio and have a chance to introduce yourself and your art,” explains Beltran. “We were a total of 15 artists in the residence. I was able to learn more about different techniques in silk, mixed media art, and collage.” Beltran says attending the artist residency program has opened new doors in her art career. “I have recently been invited to paint live at a fundraising gala for B the Difference, a foundation working to help find a cure for Neurofibromatosis.” She encourages other artists to pursue Water fall their dreams. “As an artist I had a dream and chose to chase my dream. The road was not always easy, but I never stopped or deviated from my passion to art. Chase your dreams – they will become a reality, but only if you first believe in yourself.
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