Gift cards for the art-lovers on your list – order by Dec. 22.
-

René Lemay

Artist member since 2019
Montreal, Québec

A pluridisciplinary and self-taught artist, René Lemay (1934-2015) has made his mark in contemporary realist painting for over 25 years. In any medium, he favoured expressions of joy and life over academicism. First in drawing and watercolour, and then in acrylic, etching, lacquer and bronze sculpture, his work celebrates the here and now. His pieces have been featured in individual and collective exhibitions in North America and Asia, in many galleries and in public and private collections.

Born in Montréal in 1934, Lemay felt a strong inclination toward the arts since his early childhood. Despite this, he practiced various trades before finally giving free rein to his passion in 1983. He learned ceramics and lithography and, in the 1970s and 1980s, founded an artisanal pottery studio and a publishing company. He followed this atypical path back to the visual arts, later earning a reputation as a watercolourist.

In 1990, he participated in his first of many professional exhibitions. His subsequent work in acrylic is known for its vibrant hues, its liveliness and its expressions of delight. In the 1990s, Lemay began travelling extensively. These travels marked a turning point in his artistic journey, as can be seen in his choice of colours and his paintings’ subjects. During this period, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Asia became the epicenters of his creative universe. He sketched the inspiration for his work in Thailand, China, Bali, Vietnam and Singapore. In Hanoi, he learned techniques such as lacquer and, more recently, bronze sculpture from the masters. Today, Lemay's Gallery is still open to public during summer time, in Magdalen Islands.

For more info visit : renelemay.ca


Inside the Studio

Select Past Exhibitions
2019

Havre-Aubert

2018

Sea-Museum - Havre-Aubert

2013

Michel-Ange Gallery - Montreal

2010

Carpe Diem Gallery - Bangkok

2010

Vie Hotel - Bangkok

2007

Sofitel - Bangkok

2006

Viet Fine Art Gallery - Hanoi

2006

Carpe Diem Gallery - Bangkok

2005

Maison de la Culture Ahuntstic - Montreal

2003

L'Harmattan Gallery - Baie-Saint-Paul

2001

Gallery Basque - Rimouski

Press
2018

Magazin'Art
Sur les traces de René Lemay

2018

Canadian Broad Caster
Les Îles, au coeur de l'oeuvre de René Lemay (1934-2015)

2017

Canadian Broad Caster
Garder en vie la mémoire

2015

Canadian Broad Caster
Mort d'un artiste atypique

2013

World Wide Art Book
René Lemay

2007

Bangkok Post
A Splash of colour

2007

Parcours des arts
René Lemay - Du côté de l'Orient

2006

Bangkok Post
Exhibition Carpediem Galleries, Canadian Artist Rene Lemay

2006

Vietnam News - The national English Language Daily
Happy days in Vietnam

2006

Vietnam National Television
Opening Exhibition - Happy Days in Vietnam

2004

Bali local television, News on Foreigner – Interview by Agung Rai
Artist René Lemay Traveling in Asia

2002

Canadian Broad Caster
Interview with Chantal Joli

1996

Magazin'Art
Comtemporary Realism - Celebration on canvas by Paul Gladu

Education
1998

Fine Art University | Vietnam | 1998-2000
Lacquer workshop

1999

Fine Art University | Vietnam | 1998-2000
Lacquer workshop

2000

Fine Art University | Vietnam | 1998-2000
Lacquer workshop

2012

Mr Hoc Bao | Vietnam
Bronze sculpture workshop

Social
What do you mean, “try”?

Try-before-you-buy with a 3 month rental. 100% of your rental payments go towards the purchase (interest free). Message the artist directly, and start the conversation.


Art made (truly) affordable

We make it easy for you to try art with smart payment plans and try-before-you-buy models.

See How It Works
You’re covered.

Artwork protection is included on all art rentals up to $10K. Our Customer Care team is always here to help.

Contact Us
Unlock Trade Access

For industries including interior design, film/TV production, & real estate staging: rent original pieces that fit with your project vision, budget and timeline.

Apply for Trade Access

1% from every transaction goes towards a Canadian arts nonprofit.