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The following biography is from the archives of askART.
Biography from SIGFine Art-Dorog Gallery
Michel Delacroix's charming historical scenes of Paris capture impressions of nostalgic and romantic moments. Combined with these early recollections are memories of the stories Delacroix's nanny told him about Paris before World War I.
As a child Michel discerned only the splendor.... horse drawn carriages, gas-lit lamps, hot air balloons and bustling crowds - not a struggle and strife that the Parisian working class was experiencing during this time of war. Although Paris has changed over the years, Delacroix' scenes maintain a timelessness because of the naïf tradition in which he paints. He imbues each image with an intimate quality as he conveys the idealism of an era past. Michel's style has been called "naive" because of his candidness, however, his works are created with the skill and knowledge of the well-educated artist. His skillful paint application, precise details and subtle palette are beautiful and captivating.
Michel Delacroix was born in Paris' 14th District in 1933. After studying two years at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris, Delacroix temporarily interrupted his formal education to explore the city. "I walked endlessly from district to district, inspecting every corner and absorbing all the nuances accumulating an endless store of impressions to draw upon for my paintings," he says. It was during this time that Delacroix worked for Marcel Marceau and experimented with set design. Delacroix eventually returned to complete his studies, and went on to teach art. Continuing to paint and experiment with a variety of techniques, Delacroix eventually developed his signature style.
Delacroix's work has been featured in over 300 solo exhibitions in the US and many more in Europe and Asia. Delacroix has achieved awards including the Prix Public-Prix Pro Art, (Switzerland 1973) the Grand Prix des Amateurs d' Art, (Paris 1975), the Grand Prix de la Cote d'Azur, (Cannes 1976) and the Premier Prix de Sept Collines, (Rome 1976). In 1976 Delacroix received the honor of having his work purchased by the Ministry of Culture for Paris Fonds National d'Art Contemporain. Delacroix was named the Official Artist of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the Official Artist for the 1995 Special Olympics World Games.