Marcil works often contain figures. It’s noted that as an artist he often explored human behaviour, focused on emotional and social connections.
While working as a fashion illustrator, Marcil played a large role in the success of Dior’s new collection in the United States after World War II.
René Marcil (1917-1993) was a painter, draftsman, fashion illustrator, and commercial artist born in Montreal in 1917.
He is most well known for his fashion illustrations he created while working at various department stores. He later developed more abstract styles following Lyrical Abstraction and Neo-Expressionism. His works are in private and public collections internationally including the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, Palais du Louvre, and the Art Gallery of Algoma.
In 1931 at age 14 Marcil enrolled in L’ecole des Beaux Arts in Montreal, where his artistic skills were finally nurtured.
After having graduated in 1935 René Marcil was hired as an engraver, servicing the advertising industry. He would later work as an advertising illustrator in Montreal department stores Morgan’s and later Eaton’s, where he became one of their star artists.
In 1941 he and his wife Evelyn Rowat, who he met while working at Eaton’s, moved to New York. There he and Evelyn worked as fashion illustrators for Lord & Taylor.
Marcil became known for his use of pure line and the general elegance and exquisite style of his work.
By 1952 he and his wife had decided to move to Paris, France where he joined La Grande Chaumiere a shared studio of artists. During this time, his artistic skills were once again able to flourish and develop. Working closely in the lyrical abstraction movement, he began painting large abstract oil paintings and figure drawings.
In the mid–60's René, moved to London, England. During this time, he continued to visit the south of France frequently.
As his abstract and figurative works continued, he evolved towards Neo-expressionist styles. His talent as a colourist became evident along with his idealization of visual perception. His works express his continuous exploration of human behaviour which is focused on emotional and social connection.
Marcil died on September 25th, 1993 in Toronto, Ontario. His works are in private and public collections internationally including the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, Palais du Louvre, and the Art Gallery of Algoma.
René Marcil (1917-1993) was born in Montreal. While he was born in Canada, he spent most of his life abroad, living in New York, Paris, London, and Tourettes-sur-Loup.
Growing up Marcil’s household was void of most art save for what he could collect from newspapers and small reproductions of religious paintings by Raphael and Piero Della Francesca, which he would frequently study.
In 1931 at age 14 Marcil enrolled in L’ecole des Beaux Arts in Montreal and graduated in 1935.
In 1941 he and his wife Evelyn Rowat, who he met while working at Eaton’s, moved to New York. There he and Evelyn worked as fashion illustrators for Lord & Taylor.
In 1952 he and his wife had decided to move to Paris, France where he joined La Grande Chaumiere a shared studio of artists.
Eventually in the mid 60s’ Evelyn decided to move back to America, René, however, stayed in Europe moving to London, England.
During this time, he continued to visit the south of France frequently, until 1980 when he would move to Tourettes-sur-Loup, France until 1991.
Marcil died on September 25th, 1993 in Toronto, Ontario. His works are in private and public collections internationally including the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, Palais du Louvre, and the Art Gallery of Algoma.
GET INSPIRED
Inspired by Fashion
Try this creative activity based on the artwork! Share your creations on our Art and Discovery Facebook page.
Design your own outfits and create beautiful sketches like René Marcil!
SUPPLIES
- Pencil and pencil crayons
- Paper
- Magazines (or other sources of clothing images)
- Glue
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start by exploring magazines or other sources of images of clothing and outfits. You can even cut out and collage outfits together with different images of clothing to create ideas for your own outfits!
- Once you have your ideas start doing quick sketches of them on a blank paper, keep your lines loose, don’t be to stiff (TIP: hold your pencil or pencil crayon higher up, away from the tip to help keep your sketch lines loose).
- Once you're happy with your sketches start your final sketch. Staying loose, and having fun with the drawing! Make sure to draw a person that is wearing your outfit!
- Now you can add a background. Where would you be wearing this outfit?
- Finally add some colour to make the image pop!
Now you’re done! Admire you work and don’t forget to share your creations on our Facebook page so others can admire them too!
Inspired by Faces
Try this creative activity based on the artwork! Share your creations on our Art and Discovery Facebook page.
Create some whimsical and crazy faces!
SUPPLIES
- Paper
- Glue
- Pencils
- Markers or Pencil Crayons
INSTRUCTIONS
- Use a blank piece of paper (you can choose any colour of paper or stick with white and add more colour later).
- Begin by drawing different facial features, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, eyebrows etc. on the piece of paper. Don’t try to make these feature match or make a face, you’ll be cutting and rearranging them.
- On a separate piece of paper, draw a shape to create a face.
- Cut out all the facial features you drew before. Start to arrange them onto the face shape you drew – remember it doesn’t have to be serious; it can be funny or silly.
- Once you are happy with the placement of all your pieces glue each piece down, make sure they are and flat, and let them dry.
- Once your glue is all dry you can add some fun touches, glasses, hats, or anything you can think of! Then add colour to make your artwork stand out.
Now you’re done! Admire your work and don't forget to share your artwork on our Facebook page. We can't wait to see what you create!
