History
THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO A MASTER ARTIST, LOUIS MONTILLET
| Louis Montillet was born on 19 October 1928 in France and died on 17 November 1988 in Montreal, his adopted city. Very young, in elementary school, he began to sketch and already was noted for his exceptional talent. At the age of 7 years old, he painted a pretty scene of his hometown, with amazing accuracy for such a young age. He won several art competitions and thus made its way. To complete a talent already well established, Louis attended Les Beaux Arts in the region of Toulouse. He quickly specialized in Medieval Art (period he was particularly fond of) and easily attuned himself to spirit of the great masters of the Renaissance. Hired by the French government to refresh frescoes in castles, Louis quickly specialized in this field. Very versatile, he also designed and decorated store fronts. Louis enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge with young artists. | |
 Louis makes a Mural for a Café |
With the spirit of adventure, Louis left France, his native country, and came to Montreal in September 1957. Having established his family after worked in renovation and commercial painting, finally, Louis connected with one of the pioneers in Montreal art, Mr. Renel. With Renel, Louis experimented with several artistic techniques, including ceramic art, which was fashionable at that time. But his great talent is figurative painting and soon was noticed. In fact, he began a long career as a Canadian artist. Louis was a very prolific artist and created many paintings, including portraits and murals for well-known institutions such as Le Bergerac (he painted Cyrano de Bergerac), The Casa Loma, The Blue Beret, La Grande Hermine in Longueuil, to name a few. Louis exhibited his paintings and created beautiful murals in posh restaurants and cabarets. He has exhibited his paintings in many galleries throughout the greater Montreal area and surroundings, from St. Alexis des Monts and to several cities in Quebec and even in Ontario. |
In 1972, he met Mr. Jean Viens who had a gallery on Jean-Talon, and shortly after Louis exhibited his paintings in this gallery and become a favorite of Mr. Viens. In his career as a painter, he influenced many artists, including some who became quite well-known, like Bertounesque, Tex Lecor, Henri Abastado (known as Henry Stad). Henry also worked with Louis as a partner for some time. Louis' paintings were also favorites in major furniture stores. Many works of the painter were custom ordered and brilliantly produced by this versatile and profound artist . He was also commissioned to create religious works; one of which is exposed in the church of St Francis of Assisi. The artist Louis Montillet was a spiritual and profound human being. He greatly respected life and was an avid nature lover. He also painted many wonderful country scenes and many of them in winter. If you look at his portraits, notice how, in each case, the eyes stand out. They catch your attention right away; there is so much to read in those eyes. Through his art, Louis touched many people and continues to do so…. |
 Louis decorating the window of Monoprix |
 Louis on the left and his wife Béatrice on the right. His 4 four daughters in the middle with his mother and father, along with 3 our three little cousins |
"I remember, as a child, how often did we feel like we wanted to keep the paintings (that were made for customers), because they were so beautiful. I still can see that gorgeous painting he did of Robin Hood kissing Maid Marion in an alcove. She was wearing a blue satin dress and you could have touched it; it looked so real. Another time, he painted a Gypsy and used my mother as his model. The golden earrings, the dark hair, the beautiful profile ... My God, it was stunning! Unfortunately, it was for a client and we had to let it go; and so many others like that. When I was little, while we were in France, I remember playing in a castle, while dad was on a ladder restoring the frescos on the walls. There was a lot of castles in our area (the Dordogne) and the French government had hired him to do the work. He was an amazing artist, very versatile. He could do complicated reproductions of ancient scenes, as well as totally modern works, like the simple portrait of a dancer. |
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It all started with his portrait of Christ (during his time of suffering). This is a gorgeous portrait he did for my sister Marie-Christine. She was very present in his life and helped him more than once, when life became too harsh for the sensitive soul that he was. Jesus was his solace and inspiration, and he loved Him so much. |
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After seeing how his work touched people, we decided that we should have a site where people could go and simply enjoy Louis Montillet’s artistry. So we went and looked for others of his paintings, and our quest began. |
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As was so appropriately shared, by a very good friend and loyal client of Louis, Simone Bronsard, the words of two of his favorite writers: So here are some of Louis Montillet's painting that are shared by some friends and family, who are owners of the paintings, in the hope that you will enjoy and also be touched by them. Louis used to say "a painting is an open window on life" and frequently he captured that emotion in the eyes of his subjects. |
 The artist Louis with his wife Beatrice, who was also his manager |
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We ask that anyone who may know someone who has any of Louis Montillet’s paintings or works of art, if you want to share them with us, please, let us know. Reproductions of each painting can be purchased. These reproductions come in various sizes and formats; such as greeting cards, photos, or scaled prints; several choices are offered. |
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