Her artistic journey is a fascinating voyage through light plays across nature, still life, urban scenes, and aquatic landscapes. A Belgian-Quebecer, Anne-Marie grew up near the majestic Saint Lawrence River, which impressed her throughout her life. Under the tutelage of her mother, a multidisciplinary artist, she began exploring the world of art using pencils, pastels, charcoal, plasticine, and even clay. "During her teenage years, Anne-Marie had the opportunity to pose for several artists, including the renowned Hugues de Jouvancourt. Discovering her interest in drawing, he shared valuable insights into the art with her."
Pivoting to a new medium, Anne-Marie never thought of touching oil paints until her mother handed her a blank canvas, saying, “Here, paint what comes to mind! Start with the most tiring part, the background… and don’t waste the paint!”
Thus, without a model or help, Anne-Marie created 'Study in Reds'. This timid canvas marked the beginning of her adventure in oil painting. Her father, involved in the art market, would reproach her for not following the rules of the golden ratio!
Étude de rouges, pommes (Mamy), huile, huile, 20x 16, 1975
Deepening her artistic quest, Anne-Marie Bruens took private art, drawing, and painting classes with Solange St-Pierre (1946-1990). After much dedication and hard work, she earned a certificate. Solange St-Pierre held a special place in her journey; more than a mentor, she became a close friend and continued to guide Anne-Marie with wisdom and friendship until her passing.
Simplicité, enfants près de l’arbre, huile 18x24,1983
Maison Laporte, Boucherville, huile, 16x20, 1983
(The first house inhabited by the Bruens family on Marie-Victorin in Boucherville in 1959.)
Celebrating her successes in 1983, her father finally acknowledged his daughter's work and talent and her standing among esteemed artists. Anne-Marie appeared in 'LE GUIDE B.L. DE LA PEINTURE 1983/84, LES ÉDITIONS B.L.', authored by Louis Bruens,
"With the dedication: 'To Anne-Marie, my star daughter, in honor of the appearance of her name in my first book. Her serious and attentive father, Louis Tintin, August 25, 83.
Souvenirs (roses victoriennes) ,huile, 16x20, 1990
Her passion led her to participate in competitions in Montérégie and to exhibit her works in Montreal and abroad, including in the Antilles. She took part in the international exhibition at the Bridgetown Gallery in Barbados. For twenty-four months, she delighted audiences in Basseterre, St. Kitts, with a special collection dedicated to this paradisiacal island.
Brimstone Hill Fortress, Brouillard, huile, 20x24, 1994 (St-Kitts)
Untitled
For Anne-Marie, the magic of art is not just for adults; she shares this creative spark as a teacher. Being the eldest daughter among eight children, she has always had a special connection with the young. She loves to tell stories and recreate dreams, aiming to awaken wonder and spark the imagination. Whether in her roles as a mother, educator, or illustrator, she has maintained that magic that brings one back to childhood, inspiring a sense of joy and simplicity through imagery. In her paintings, one finds this desire to create universes where playfulness and fantasy cross the boundaries of reality to explore worlds where anything is possible.
Bataille de dragons, huile, 24x36, 2001
AMB, FG, Wilbert et le dé magique, Galia Media, Bouquin Bec, 2015
Throughout her life, painting has been the medium through which Anne-Marie has shared a sense of fulfillment and tranquility with her audience. Each of her works invites the viewer to dive into a world where color, light, and water blend together to create an unforgettable experience. She strives to evoke an alternate reality, an inner peace.
Sous la chute, huile, 36x48, 2018
Jardin en lumières, huile,24x30, 2021
Furthermore, it is worth noting that during the early years of her artistic career, her works were signed under her married name (Perreault), a common custom at the time. However, following a divorce and subsequent remarriage, she made a deliberate choice to revert to her maiden name. This decision was not only artistic but also a declaration of independence and acknowledgment of the autonomous woman she aspired to be. This act marked a new chapter in her artistic journey.