Art: He Never Wore Sunglasses
Painter Bernard Oulie has moved around a lot. Originally from Bordeaux, France, he has lived in Algiers, Paris, France, Switzerland, New York, Mexico, Canada then moved back to North Africa and finally in 1994, decided to make South Florida his home.
Obsessed with colors, Oulie admitted that he has never bought or owned a pair of sunglasses. His aqua-hued, frosty, curious eyes demand colors. According to him, sunglasses fight off colors, so he has always refused to wear them, and it shows up in his paintings.
He comes from a family of wine makers in the Bordeaux region. After grading from the School of Fine Arts in Algiers, his family insisted that art was a “sketchy” business and it would be more profitable for him to become a wine entrepreneur. Bernard entered the wine making profession, became an expert “sommelier”, and now imports the finest bottles of the complex and delicate beverages to Florida’s best restaurants and hotels.
He found that wine making stirred his creativity, but the call of the canvas was too powerful and he ultimately returned to his first passion, which was painting colors. Less interested in form, rules or traditions, his works reflect masterpieces created by revered giants such as Matisse, Gauguin and Van Gogh.
Inspired by the warm Florida sun, he channels his desires into multi-colored landscapes, blossoms, mountains and seashores. Deep blues, wild verdant greens, uncompromising magentas and bold ochres paints are his trademark. Indulging in impulsive sprees of colors have given his paintings undulating lines that easily create a distinctive character, with swirls, buckling grounds, simple still-lifes filled with fresh flowers and friendly village-scapes. Contrasts, colors and climate make his paintings undeniably enjoyable.
Plans for an exhibition in Hollywood’s newest Sage Restaurant (2000 Harrison Street, Hollywood, 33020) are in the works. In the meantime, visit www.ouliepaintings.com for a sampling of his works or call 954.929.0821.
