Gaétan Caron Tagged "Oil Paintings" Page 2

Gaétan Caron

Eden

Last summer, in front of my country house, a forest of sunflowers rose majestically—scattered giant flowers lifting bright golden faces to the sky on slender, steadfast stems. What began as small seeds pressed into the cool soil of spring became, by summer’s grace, a living cathedral of light.

Each morning I stepped outside to find them already awake, turned toward the east in collective anticipation. With camera in hand, my trained eye would wander through the sea of gold, always drawn to the one shining just a little brighter than the rest, quietly stealing the show. By midday, when I returned from the studio for a bite to eat, they shimmered like a field of captive suns. And in the evening, at the close of a creative day, I delighted in finding them again—now leaning west together, as if sharing one vast, unspoken breath.

All summer long I watched in admiration—documenting, noticing, sketching, painting their luminous presence. There was devotion in their movement: steady, unhurried, faithful. Their strong green stems bent not in weakness, but in reverence. Cell by cell, each one leaned toward radiance, gathering fire into silk-soft petals and broad, patient leaves.

The wind moved through them like a whispered hymn. Leaves brushed and rustled; golden crowns nodded in quiet agreement with the passing hours. I often stood among them, feeling small and deeply blessed within their glowing congregation. Their lives became a prayer in motion—rooted in shadow, reaching for brilliance, circling faithfully through each day’s promise.

In their turning, I witnessed patience. In their blooming, I witnessed joy. And in their unwavering devotion to the sun, I felt my own heart learning to follow the light—summer day after radiant summer day depicting glimpses of my sunflower garden in my rural studio, nestled in the glorious Mendocino hills of Northern California.

The Art
Biography
About Photography
Oil Painting Archive

Biography:

Gaétan’s practice encompasses oil painting, ceramics, and fine art digital photography, all rooted in his deep relationship with nature. For 25 years, he has lived in rural Mendocino in Northern California, where his off-the-grid home and wilderness studio are surrounded by forests and mountains, nestled within an heirloom orchard where wild ponies roam freely.

Born in Québec, Canada, Gaétan studied ceramic art at l’École de Céramique Bonsecours in Montréal. He is also the co-founder of Lost Art Salon in San Francisco, a gallery dedicated to the rediscovery of 20th-century fine art. Through this work, Gaétan has built an extensive collection representing over 150 artists from that period.

Gaétan has exhibited his work at Lost Art Salon as well as at other venues throughout San Francisco and Mendocino County.

Artist Statement:

When I create—whether I am depicting the mirrored hush of nature or giving form to the quiet abstractions that rise from within—I root myself completely in the present moment. Time loosens its grip. The restless dialogue of thoughts, feelings, and fleeting sensations softens into stillness. A gentle silence gathers. My hands take over, guided by something older and wiser than words. I breathe. The brush meets canvas. Light becomes color, color becomes movement, and movement becomes memory. In this sacred exchange, images emerge as if by grace—small, radiant miracles unfolding before my eyes.

I am inspired by blossoms trembling in morning light, fruit trees heavy with promise, and mountain horizons dissolving into fog. Every season, year after year, I wander through forests of madrones and manzanitas, follow creeks as they slip into steep valleys, and rest beside lakes and rivers whose waters shimmer with serenity and purity. I am always in awe while watching the golden hills of summer beneath expansive blue skies. I venerate the ancient blue oaks which stand as quiet guardians of time. I respect the wild animals moving through their habitats with untamed dignity. And I am mesmerized by the Pacific Ocean as it shapes the rugged cliffs of the Lost Coast, or the volcanic black rocks of Hawaii, its eternal rhythm carving poetry into rock and stone.

Each scene I paint is more than a landscape—it is a living witness. Nature reaches toward my spirit, and my spirit answers. In that meeting, something timeless flows through me. What appears on the canvas is not merely an image, but a moment of communion: the Earth breathing, my heart listening, and creation revealing itself in color and form.
- Photo Material: Nikon D810, 70-200mm, 24-120mm, Micro 60mm

- All photographs are archival prints on Hahnemuhle Fine Art paper signed and titled.

- Custom framing available upon request – please contact us at our general email, staff@lostartsalon.com or phone (415) 861-1530 order, please allow at least 14 days for printing, framing and shipping.

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