Art by René Tardif
René Tardif was born in St. Foy, Québec. His roots can be found in the Lower St. Lawrence River Area, the birthplace of his father. François Tardif was a man at home in the woods and open spaces, who transmitted to his son a great love and respect for the natural world and its beauty. Early on, René showed a marked talent for drawing and art. This interest waned as he turned to the world of science, earning diplomas in Electrical Technology and Industrial Design, as well as achieving the distinction of becoming a licensed aircraft pilot. Growth in his artistic expression continued through the exploration of photography. The required technical studies of color and composition for photography whetted his appetite to return to his first love in artistic expression; drawing, colour, paint, brushes and canvas. He found his heart, soul and memory, in other words his own voice. In 1984 he held a successful first exhibition and has been exhibiting successfully ever since.
René now devotes himself full-time to oil painting, taking numerous trips to the Baie St. Paul area, Gaspé, Saguenay, the Eastern Townships and especially the Lower St. Lawrence River region, birthplace of his ancestors. He favors landscape painting, where the vistas are constantly transformed by the interaction of the natural elements. His source of inspiration is the continous changing shapes and colours. These nourish his artistic spirit day by day.
