Michel Delacroix’s charming historical scenes of Paris capture impressions of nostalgic and romantic moments. Combined with these early recollections are memories of the stories Delacroix’s nanny told him about Paris before World War I. As a child Michel discerned only the splendor.... horse drawn carriages, gas-lit lamps, hot air balloons and bustling crowds - not a struggle and strife that the Parisian working class was experiencing during this time of war. Although Paris has changed over the years, Delacroix’ scenes maintain a timelessness because of the naïf tradition in which he paints. He imbues each image with an intimate quality as he conveys the idealism of an era past. Michel’s style has been called “naive” because of his candidness, however, his works are created with the skill and knowledge of the well-educated artist. His skillful paint application, precise details and subtle palette are beautiful and captivating.
Michel Delacroix was born in Paris’ 14th District in 1933. After studying two years at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris, Delacroix temporarily interrupted his formal education to explore the city. “I walked endlessly from district to district, inspecting every corner and absorbing all the nuances accumulating an endless store of impressions to draw upon for my paintings,” he says. It was during this time that Delacroix worked for Marcel Marceau and experimented with set design. Delacroix eventually returned to complete his studies, and went on to teach art. Continuing to paint and experiment with a variety of techniques, Delacroix eventually developed his signature style.
Delacroix’s work has been featured in over 300 solo exhibitions in the US alone and many more in Europe and Asia. Delacroix has achieved some of the highest accolades and awards including the Prix Public-Prix Pro Art, (Switzerland 1973) the Grand Prix des Amateurs d’ Art, (Paris 1975), the Grand Prix de la Cote d’Azur, (Cannes 1976) and the Premier Prix de Sept Collines, (Rome 1976). In 1976 Delacroix was bestowed one of the greatest honors an artist can receive when his work was purchased by the Ministry of Culture for Paris Fonds National d’Art Contemporain. Delacroix was named the Official Artist of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the Official Artist for the 1995 Special Olympics World Games.
In addition to Delacroix, American Fine Art gallery represents a variety of other world renowned artists including: Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Joan Miro, Andrew Wyeth, LeRoy Neiman, Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Marcel Mouly, Thomas Pradzynski, and more. Visit our 12,000 sq. ft. showroom in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ or call one of our International Art Consultants today. Our website is offered only as a limited place to browse or refresh your memory and is not a reflection of our current inventory. If you need to learn more about collecting, pricing, value or any other art information your International Art Consultant will assist you and give you the one on one attention you deserve. We hope you find our website helpful and look forward to seeing you in Scottsdale soon.
