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Johanne Blaquière – The Soul of Horses on Canvas
Johanne Blaquière is a Quebec painter whose work is recognized for her unique ability to capture the essence and energy of horses, as well as other animals and Indigenous culture. Her style oscillates between realism and expressiveness, where each brushstroke seems to bring her subjects to life.
Her passion for horses dates back to her childhood, when she spent time in the stables alongside her aunt, a renowned animal painter. This deep connection with the animal and her love of drawing have shaped her artistic journey.
An Artistic Journey Between Design and Painting
Johanne was born in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, in 1956. After studying graphic design at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), she worked as a graphic designer for several years. However, her need for artistic expression led her to return to her first passion: drawing and painting.
For over 25 years, she has also taught painting at the Ateliers libres de peinture de Beloeil, while actively pursuing her own artistic production.
A Powerful and Emotional Artistic Signature
Johanne Blaquière's works are distinguished by a dynamic approach and unique technique. Working with oil, acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal, she creates plays of light and texture that intensify the movement and depth of her subjects.
His compositions offer a double reading:
Horses emerging from the canvas, almost transparent, merging with their environment.
More classic and realistic representations, where the precision of the line and the strength of the framing bring out the power and indomitability of the animal.
While horses occupy a central place in her work, Johanne also explores wildlife, including birds, fish, and other wild animals, as well as portraits inspired by Indigenous peoples. Her art pays homage to these cultures with an approach that is both respectful and immersive.
Inspired by the masters Rosa Bonheur, Géricault and James Ayers , Johanne develops a universe which mixes tradition and modernity, paying homage to the nobility and freedom of her subjects.
"It is to the rhythm of their hooves that the colors appear. For me, a white horse is any color except white. I seek to convey its soul through my brushes."
Artistic Approach
An equestrian and animal painter, Johanne Blaquière has nurtured an unwavering passion for nature and its creatures since childhood.
“I drew them everywhere: in the margins of my school notebooks, on my desk, nervously scribbled during my phone conversations. These spontaneous sketches became the first drafts of what would later come to life on my canvases.”
Over time, his art evolved, exploring various techniques and mediums. His horses and other animals are depicted in all their forms, sometimes transparent to blend into the background, sometimes with a classic realism that emphasizes their strength and majesty.
One element, however, remains immutable: each subject painted by Johanne seems endowed with a soul, a vibrant presence that captivates the viewer.
“The fusion of my passions – horses, wildlife, Indigenous culture and painting – has helped me discover my animal instinct… and follow it.”
Recognition and Distinctions
2019:
- Titre de Maître en Beaux-Arts par l’Académie Internationale des Beaux-Arts du Québec.
- 2ᵉ prix en peinture figurative 2ᵉ prix du Jury – Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada
2018:
- New Mexico Arts and Craft Fair – Prix de la meilleure peinture – Albuquerque, USA.
2017:
– 2ᵉ prix en arts figuratifs, Expo-Concours Automnale, AAPARS, QC, Canada.
2016:
– Peintre Artiste de l’Année pour la Fondation Legacy Art, Albuquerque, Nouveau-Mexique, États-Unis.
2014:
- Artiste de l’année au Legacy Art Show, Albuquerque (Nouveau-Mexique, USA)
2013:
- 1er prix pour l’ensemble de son œuvre et nomination comme Académicienne aux Beaux-Arts du Québec.
2012:
- Grand Prix International Jean Simeon Chardin – Prix honorifique Alfiere des Arts de l’Accademia Gentilizia Il Marzocco – Florence, Italie.
Ses œuvres ont été exposées à l’international et sont représentées dans plusieurs galeries prestigieuses, notamment Rio Grande Gallery (Nouveau-Mexique) et Golden Eagle Gallery (Texas, USA).
Selected Exhibitions
2020:
- Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show – Scottsdale, USA.
2019:
- Expo-Concours Automnale de l’AAPARS – Centre Marcel Dulude, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada.
2016:
- Imagine – Pena Gallery, San Elisario, USA.
2014:
- Legacy Art Show – Prix de l’Artiste de l’Année – Albuquerque, USA.
2012:
- Grand Prix International Jean Simeon Chardin – Florence, Italie.
2011:
- Salon National des Beaux-Arts (SNBA) – Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France.
An Artist in Search of Authenticity
Each painting by Johanne Blaquière is an immersion in the strength and sensitivity of her subjects, whether a majestic horse, a bird in flight, or the profound gaze of an Indigenous character. Through bold compositions and a vibrant palette, she invites the viewer to feel the energy and animal instinct that animate her works.
Based in Otterburn Park, Quebec, Canada
For any information request or personalized order, contact me.
Instagram | Website | Online Gallery
Media coverage
Johanne Blaquière is a highly regarded painter in New Mexico.
She participates in several major equestrian events and is socially involved as an artist.
His appearance in the spring of 2014 on the Fox New Mexico television show on KRQE News 13 demonstrated his notoriety and growing interest in this American region.
You can watch his full appearance on the TV show on the Legacy Art Albuquerque video below.
TV show: LesArts TVR9, episode 22, July 8, 2024
Signing of the Golden Book of the city of Beloeil as Master of Fine Arts (2020)
Interview on Fox New Mexico KRQE13 (2014)
Interview on the show La Vallée des Arts TVR9 (2012)
 23-10-2017 Exposition-concours automnale AAPARS |  28-05-2014 Nouveau-Mexique - Johanne Blaquiere, de grands honneurs pour ses œuvres. |  23-04-2014 L'Art équestre vu par Johanne Blaquiere |  10-01-2013 Équi-Libre |  10-12-2019 Iberian Horse Magazine |
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 L'oeil régional 4 dec 2019 |
