A little about Philippe Mathieu

Philippe Mathieu was born in Orleans, France, and immigrated to Santa Barbara at the age of six with his mother, Odile (Mousse Odile).
From an early age, Philippe’s love and talent for painting were evident on countless walls in his family home.  At the age of ten he fell in love with a Monet painting in the Santa Barbara Art Museum.  This led him to learn all about the French Impressionist movement of the 1880’s.  It was the awesome beauty of the California Coast that led Philippe to begin studying oil painting in earnest in his early twenties.  He began selling his seascapes within the year.

 The artist is entirely self-taught.   Philippe’s philosophy for his art is simple: a careful observation of light as it interplays with nature, and countless hours of practice. The artist’s bold color and compositions are refreshing.  With over two decades of study and practice, he has become well known for his romantic depiction of Santa Barbara and California. 

Working as a carpenter to earn his living through the years has funded time at the easel.  He has spent his life working with his hands.  Although Philippe enjoys sculpting, stained glass, watercolor, ceramics, fine woodworking and playing the guitar he has focused on one expression of his artistic talent oil painting.  “The study of nature through the pursuit of oil painting is like unto a classical composer listening to Bach. My art has filled me with passion, good times and bad.    

 “My greatest fulfillment is found studying the Holy Scriptures and to grow in my relationship with my Creator. All that I have all that I am, the Lord has given me. There by the Grace of God go I.  My greatest blessings are my wife and two little girls.” 

 In 2007 Philippe's patrons encouraged him to share his romantic visions through greeting cards.  The success of his line of greeting cards fuels his intoxicating enthusiasm for painting and sharing his gift with you.

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