Andre Cottavoz

ANDRE COTTAVOZ

When I start a painting, I throw myself into the work like a boxer or a karateka throws himself into the ring. The martial arts are a discipline and a self-projection. I approach the canvas in the same way, for is not a painting a true projection? I wage a constant battle but my nature leans more towards tenderness. My paintings show tenderness.

- Painting is giving an impression. As soon as the form changes into a flower, the impression becomes as important as the image. I paint as if I am making a Ravenna mosaic. As far as I am concerned, I strive for unity, harmony, beauty. And I do not like colour contrasts. When I paint a portrait, I try to physically depict the structure of the model, as it is before me. When I paint a landscape, I try to ensure that the sky looks like air, that the earth appears heavy, that the sea has motion. I am not a figurative painter when it comes to painting these things. I try to stick to reality as closely as possible.