For nearly four decades, French watercolor artist Bertrand Rouby has called the island of Marie-Galante home, finding in this Caribbean paradise the perfect palette of colors that suit his artistic vision. The painter, who has been passionate about art since childhood, chose watercolor as his primary medium of expression and opened his own gallery in the commune of Saint-Louis just one year ago.
Through his artwork, Rouby tells the stories of the island's landscapes, its people, and their unique ways of life. His paintings capture the essence of Marie-Galante, revealing both the natural beauty of the location and the soul of its inhabitants. The artist has developed a keen eye for detail over the years, skillfully translating the places, postures, gazes, and attitudes of local residents onto paper.
Roby maintains a modest presence in his gallery, preferring to let his canvases speak for themselves. His works reveal a personality woven with deep sensitivity and artistic refinement. "Water is the essential element in watercolor, since it's the water that allows you to direct the pigments on the paper," Rouby explains. "That's what I also love about it: working with water. There's a kind of sensuality to it, something very pleasant."
The artist's technique has evolved significantly over time, allowing him to capture not just the physical appearance of his subjects, but their very essence. For Rouby, understanding and portraying the true nature of people is fundamental to his artistic process. He believes that connecting with the soul of his subjects is what gives his work its emotional depth and authenticity.
Visitors to his gallery are consistently moved by the finesse and delicacy evident in his watercolors. "Very often, that's what people tell me – that there are really a lot of emotions in my images," Rouby notes. "It's good that people feel that." The positive response from viewers confirms that his artistic approach successfully conveys the emotional connection he feels with his subjects and surroundings.
The watercolorist welcomes visitors into his artistic universe, which serves as a concentrated essence of Marie-Galante itself. His gallery offers guests an open-hearted glimpse into the island's culture, natural beauty, and the daily lives of its residents, all filtered through Rouby's sensitive artistic perspective and four decades of island living.
