Background and Career

Alice Williams began her artistic journey with a focus on portraiture, later expanding to include interiors, landscapes, African animals, horse racing, and coastal scenes. Her style evolved into a contemporary take on post-impressionism, characterized by joy and color. Since 1992, she has taught workshops in both the US and France, emphasizing the importance of learning from the best, a principle she learned from her teacher, Constantine Chatov. Her art is now represented by LePrince Fine Art, bringing her exceptional work to new audiences.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Currently, Williams divides her time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Lourmarin, Provence, France, with the latter's enchanting light and landscapes profoundly influencing her work. Beyond painting, she is a master gardener, having designed eight gardens that serve as inspiration for her art, featured in over 14 major publications, reflecting her skill in creating beautiful living spaces that mirror the aesthetic of her paintings.

Introduction and Background

Alice Williams is a post-impressionist painter whose work is celebrated for its vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes, with over 50 years of painting experience. Born in South Carolina, she grew up in a family that deeply appreciated the arts, with her mother, a fine pianist, collecting beautiful oil paintings from Europe and Asia. This early exposure laid the foundation for her artistic passion.

Williams's journey from a young artist to an internationally recognized painter is marked by dedication and creativity. Her current residences include Atlanta, Georgia, and the charming village of Lourmarin in Provence, France, where she has lived since 2012, fulfilling a long-held dream with her husband, Don. The unique light and landscapes of Provence have a profound impact on her work, providing endless inspiration for her paintings.

Education and Artistic Development

Williams pursued her artistic education under some of the most renowned artists of her time. She began her formal training with Constantine Chatov in Atlanta from 1980 to 1984, focusing on portraiture and figure painting. In 1984, she further refined her portraiture skills with Stanislov Rembski in Maryland. From 1988 to 1989, she studied figurative sculpture with Cyril Hicks in Paris, expanding her artistic horizons. Additionally, she learned from other notable instructors, including Albert Handell in pastels (1982, Atlanta), Al Tiegreen in oil painting (1981, Atlanta), Spencer Johnson in pen and ink technique (1980, Dallas), and Al Brouillette in watercolors and glazing (1980, Arlington).

Initially, her work centered on portraiture, but she later expanded to include interiors, landscapes, African animals, horse racing, and coastal scenes. This evolution led to the development of her contemporary post-impressionist style, characterized by bold colors and energetic brushstrokes, exuding joy and vitality. Her time in Africa, where she painted wildlife and landscapes, enriched her artistic vision, incorporating diverse influences into her work.

Teaching Career and Workshops

In 1992, Williams began teaching workshops in both the United States and France, recognizing the importance of passing on her knowledge. She believes strongly in the concept of paying forward, a principle she learned from Constantine Chatov, who told her, "It is not where you study, but who you study from; that is the most important thing." Her teaching approach is hands-on and personalized, fostering a creative environment where students can experiment and develop their own styles while learning post-impressionist techniques. Her workshops are highly sought after, often filling up months in advance, and cover topics such as painting street scenes, private gardens, and exceptional chateaux in Provence.

Current Work and Residences

Currently, Williams divides her time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Lourmarin, Provence, France. The region's unique light and beautiful landscapes have a profound impact on her work, providing endless inspiration. She often paints en plein air, capturing the natural light and colors of her surroundings, and her studio in Provence serves as a space for working on larger pieces and experimenting with different techniques. The tranquility and natural beauty of Provence are often reflected in her art, capturing the essence of the area's timeless appeal.

Recognition and Collections

Williams's art is highly sought after and represented by LePrince Fine Art, bringing her work to new audiences. Her art has been featured in numerous galleries across the United States and Europe, and is part of several public collections, such as the Musee de saint Maxime in France and the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, FL.

She has had over 30 solo exhibitions, including at Hagan Fine Art from 2017 to 2023, Anderson Fine Art Gallery in St. Simons Island, GA in 2021, and Jett Thompson HOME in Naples, FL in 2019. She has also participated in juried exhibitions, such as L’Exposition d’Art du Château du Castelllet in Provence, France, in 2018 and 2017. Her contributions have been recognized through her inclusion in prestigious public and private collections, and her art has been featured in numerous publications.

Artistic Process

Williams's painting process is deeply rooted in her love for the post-impressionist style. She uses thick, expressive brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette to capture the essence of her subjects, often featuring a play of light and shadow to create depth and movement. She is known for her ability to convey the mood and atmosphere of a scene through her use of color and composition, making her paintings immediately recognizable.

She often paints en plein air, capturing the natural light and colors of her surroundings, particularly in Provence. Her studio in Lourmarin is also a source of inspiration, where she can work on larger pieces and experiment with different techniques, ensuring her art remains fresh and innovative.

Personal Interests and Gardening

Beyond painting, Williams is a master gardener, a passion that deeply influences her art. She has designed and created eight gardens throughout her life, each serving as inspiration for her paintings. Her latest garden in Provence is particularly dear to her, and she looks forward to capturing its beauty in future works. Her gardens are designed with careful attention to color, texture, and light, mirroring the aesthetic of her paintings. They have been featured in over 14 major publications, testifying to her skill in creating beautiful living spaces that are as inspiring as her art.

Williams's garden paintings are particularly beloved by collectors, showcasing her mastery of color and composition. She often paints her own gardens, capturing their serene beauty and vibrant colors, inviting viewers to step into her private paradise. This symbiotic relationship between her art and gardening is a unique aspect of her creative process.

Testimonials and Community Involvement

Collectors and fellow artists alike praise Williams's work for its beauty and emotional resonance. One collector, Maureen M., says, "Her paintings are just beautiful. They make my heart smile." Another collector, Adriene G., shares, "Every time I look at them, my heart sings and I want to climb in and live in them." Fellow artist Caline de Gasquet notes, "Alice and I met in Paris 40 years ago. Love at first sight. We still paint together, and I observe her from time to time: Her eyes blink; she becomes soooo alive; fighting, soooo 'fluttering and dancing' with her brushes. Alice is an ALIVE artist."

Since relocating to Provence, Williams has become an integral part of the local art community. She regularly hosts workshops, sharing her techniques and passion for post-impressionism with aspiring artists from around the world, further cementing her legacy.

Conclusion

Alice Williams's contributions to the art world are multifaceted. As a painter, teacher, and gardener, she has inspired countless individuals with her talent, generosity, and love for beauty. Her art, characterized by its vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork, continues to captivate and inspire, ensuring her place in the annals of post-impressionist art. Her journey from a young artist inspired by her mother's collection to an internationally recognized painter and teacher is a testament to her talent, hard work, and unwavering passion for her craft. Through her unique blend of post-impressionist techniques and personal passion, Alice Williams has created a body of work that is both timeless and contemporary, resonating with audiences around the globe.