So what is it about the French artists I represent which is quintessentially French ? This is a question I am frequently asked.

All artists I work with are chosen for their mastery of technique and integrity of vision. Mastery of technique, the craft element of making art, almost runs counter to the accepted art school norm these days.

Young artists arrive at art school thinking they are already artists and they do not need or want to be taught anything, certainly not such ‘difficult’ disciplines as drawing, composition, or modeling. In France there exists a strong artistic tradition which runs counter to the prevailing ‘l’art officiel’ view.

My French artists come from this figurative and representational tradition. It is this ‘counter culture’ which I find to be essentially French. To hold on to the figuration and representation, even moving from this foundation to semi-abstracted landscapes, is indeed revolutionary given contemporary conditions.

My French artists have fought passionately to maintain the craftsmanship and discipline of this tradition. For example, the sculptor Jean-Claude Mathieu traces his heritage directly to Rodin. His tutors Léopold Kretz and Charles Auffret were taught by artists from Rodin’s atelier. There has been no rupture in this tradition. It has always existed. Much of contemporary art is made by people who are merely ‘amusing themselves’; it can be fun, shocking, excessive.

However, my French and English artists are serious down to their soul, or perhaps, rather, from their soul.