Alfonso Toran Art

Jean Grimal is a true 20th century discovery. This breathtaking piece is a gorgeous example of his mastery as an artist. He beautifully creates chiaroscuro in this painting. The way the light touches the edges of the Chinese bowl and the grapes is an example of his skill in representing light. Jean Grimal (1942-1998) was born in the town of Tulle, France in 1942. Jean’s family moved to Paris when he was 8 years of age. After receiving a classical French education with studies in Latin and Greek, Jean Grimal entered the University to receive his Baccalaureate. He then attended Claude Barnard School for three years, when he received his Art Degree.  Upon completion Grimal taught art for seven years.  As Grimal’s own interest in formal painting and art began to possess him, the artist’s destiny changed.  In 1967 Jean Grimal stepped aside from teaching and pursued a career in professional painting and working as an illustrator in advertising.  As an advertising illustrator, Grimal worked with Lise Goldfard for more than 25 years at Studio 44 where they collaborated with major and important accounts, such as: Air France, Christofle, Peugeot, Lacoste, to name a few. At the same time he began presenting his formal paintings to galleries in Paris and Cannes, France and in London and Windsor, England.  Much to his surprise, Grimal found that his paintings were sought after by major art galleries and collectors throughout Europe.  After a number of years of being an important and successful art illustrator for these major accounts, he found himself having to choose between the two.  Fortunately for collectors, he chose to dedicate his life to the classical style of painting.  Jean looked at the simplest things in life through a microscope, where he could take the simplest object and depict the age of the fruit or the leaf. Jean Grimal received great pleasure from his work and painted for over thirty years.  As his style matured and became ever more perfect Jean Grimal truly reached the pinnacle of his career.  The artist’s methods were particularly distinguished when measured against his peers.  Grimal’s painting skill was distinctive and exceptional. Jean Grimal was known for his realistic trompe l’oeil and still life paintings.  The artist would carefully arrange the objects to form a satisfying composition.  By painting every shadow, highlight, and reflection within each composition Grimal brought mundane subjects to life.  His tight rendering combined with his attention to light and detail allowed him to blur the lines between illusion and reality, truly making his works one of a kind.  Grimal’s trompe l’oeil paintings consist of intricate compositions of cards, envelopes, photographs, paper of different materials and weights, backs of canvases, images of other artists’ works, kitchen utensils, pistols, and more.  Grimal had a talent for mastering these illusions that deceive the eye in his trompe l’oeil paintings.    No matter what genre Grimal was painting, tight, unperceivable brushwork characterizes his work.  The artist painted every crease and crinkle, every shadow and highlight, every detail.  By doing so, he was able to capture each individual surface texture of the objects in his paintings.  Grimal was also fabulous at depicting light in his paintings- often contrasting strong lights with strong darks, creating chiaroscuro modeling.  His still life paintings are reminiscent of Dutch seventeenth century...

Original oil painting on canvas, still life painting made under natural light. This artwork is painted using high-quality fine linen canvas. Signed on the front and back of artwork. ...

"Still Life of Mushrooms in Undergrowth" French circa 1830's-1840's Oil on canvas Illegibly initialed lower right 17 3/4 x 13 1/4 (25 1/2 x 21 frame) inches This deftly painted depi...

Jeff Legg's (US based) "Citrus and Brass" is an oil painting created in 2022 depicting a golden brass jar with purple leaves, grapes and orange citrus. About the artist: Jeff C. Leg...

The still life is painted from life in a manner reminiscent of impressionism. All objects are depicted life-size. A bouquet of delicate purple phloxes in a white pot stands on the mi...

Still Life with Apples is an exquisite still-life painting that captures a quiet moment of abundance and peace. On a humble wooden table lies a cluster of ripe apples, their rosy and...

This elegantly framed artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. A quiet yet poignant study of nature’s simple beauty, Wil...

This elegantly framed artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. A vision of delicacy and refinement, Cherries in a Saucer...

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. This elegantly framed artwork transforms an everyday moment in...

Behold this enchanting vintage still life oil painting on wood, a composition that harmoniously blends elements of nature and artistry. The canvas comes alive with the timeless charm...

Still life on a square canvas. The objects are life-size. Everything is painted from life. Red flowers with green leaves in a pot and an elegant miniature glass with a golden handle....

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. A rich and evocative composition, Autumn Still Life encapsulat...