MADEIRA — Three generations of French painters came together in Greater Cincinnati — in spirit, anyway — for a celebration of their work.

        Claude Bonin-Pissarro, 80, grandson of Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro, paid his first visit to Cincinnati where his son, Frederic, 37, lives and paints.

        First stop Thursday was the Cincinnati Art Museum to view two works by Camille Pissarro.

IF YOU GO

• What: Bonin-Pissarro exhibit.   • When: Through Nov. 7.   • Where: Marquette Gallery, 7894 Camargo Road, Madeira.   • Information: 561-2400.

        “These paintings are beautiful evocations of the French countryside,” said Betsy Wieseman, the museum's curator of European painting and sculpture.

        Then the painters were off to the Marquette Gallery in Madeira to see their own, and first collaborative, exhibition.

        The work of Pissarro's grandson and great-grandson also focuses on the French countryside.

        Claude Bonin-Pissarro's canvases reflect the light and rich colors of the south of France, where he lives.

        Frederic Bonin-Pissarro's paintings, also colorful, are more likely to portray landscapes around Paris or in Normandy. And where the father's compositions are simple, letting the shapes and colors convey his feelings, the son's are more detailed and complex.

        “My style varies with the sensations that the subject evokes in me,” explained Claude.

        “My background is to be an abstract painter, but I got bored with it,” said Frederic. “I tried to get back to more traditional things, and kept a very strong (sense of) composition.“

(L-R) French Consul Gilles Montagnier, artist Frederic Bonin Pissarro, his father artist Claude Bonin Pissarro pose with Peggy Marquette, owner of Marquette Gallery in Madeira with some of the Pissarro's paintings Thursday October 4, 2001. (Brandi Stafford/Cincinnati Enquirer photo) | ZOOM |

        “I met Frederic a few years ago when I had a gallery in Mount Adams,” said gallery owner Peg Marquette. “I always had a Beaujolais (wine) party in the fall, and one year this French couple came in. I saw them again on the street a few weeks later when I was leaving to spend Thanksgiving at my daughter's. They were looking for a place to eat, so I invited them to come with me. We've remained friends.”

        She also became his artistic representative, and dreamed that one day Frederic would lure his father to Cincinnati. It took some coaxing, Frederic said. Joining the two painters for the exhibition opening was Gilles Montagnier, the Consul General of France.

        Frederic Bonin-Pissarro said his work has begun attracting national attention. “I just got a show in Chicago two weeks ago. It's a very special time for me, and the perfect time to invite my father here.”
       

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