ROGER BONAFE (B.1932) ORIGINAL PAINTING FRENCH MODERNIST STILL LIFE COMPOSITION

Roger Bonafe (French b. 1932) signed and dated 81 oil pastel on thick art paper, inscribed verso Size 22.5 x 30 inches Bonafe was born in the town of Caux (Herault) in Southern France in 1932. He made his way to Paris in the mid fifties and settled in the heart of Montmartre a few steps from “Place du Tertre”, where he met the denizens of “La Butte”, upcoming painters, writers and sculptors. Swept into a creative fever, Bonafe decided to become a full time painter. He started with render- ings of Montmatre street scenes, trying to emulate the famous artist Utrillo. His passion and gift replaced the lack of schooling and he started to develop a style of his own. He rapidly acquired technique, originality and his own artistic personality, while paying respect to the masters of yesteryear. In the sixties he moved back to Southern France (Montpellier) and started showing his work in local galleries. His style showed a spare composition, quick drawing and a relatively sober palette, rich in nuances. In time his palette evolved. Richer, warmer reds and purples began inhabiting his canvases. Bonafe, on occaision reveals himself a good sculptor, although painting remains his passion. He maintains a privileged relationship with the great French writer J. Deltoit.