But who is Riopelle?

This is the question I asked myself in 2018 when TVA compared my works to the latter during my first solo exhibition.

I was leaving from there…

And the next day, my phone rang with an invitation to exhibit in New York two weeks later. And in New York, a Parisian art gallery offered me an exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre. A whirlwind start, where I had to learn at breakneck speed.

In this whirlwind, I needed to understand the legacy behind this name, understanding the impact of this great artist on the cultural history of Quebec.

I read about the global refusal, and I understood that "Les automatistes", of which Riopelle was a part, were a group of artists from different disciplines who campaigned for a new way of creating and for a reversal in the Quebec cultural field of the 1940s.

They wanted to make room for non-figurative aesthetics, which appeal to the unconscious, to spontaneous and automatic gestures in creation. This was the beginning of abstract art…

Making your mark when you don't tick all the boxes

Making your mark in an industry where you have no knowledge is a risky gamble; I would even say it's David versus Goliath.

There is the fine arts path, the route that the majority take to succeed in making their place in the industry, supported by knowledge and a diploma.

There are so many talented artists but few manage to make a living from their art.

And there are artists like me, who make their mark by taking the road less traveled, guided by instinct and the courage to persevere, no matter the obstacles.

This "path less traveled" is a space for audacity, trial and error, and starting over. It's about accepting to learn in public, meeting the right people at the right time, and daring to present yourself, even when nothing is "perfect".

The call of the workshop

Art chose me. And every day I try to honor the privilege I have to paint, to present my work, and to change the world one work at a time.

Because yes, art impacts people's lives. Through the beauty of what adorns our walls, through the emotions that arise from every glance.

That's what drives me: creating connections. Between the internet and the person. Between an emotion and a memory.

What I learned in a fast-track format (and continue to apply)

• Audacity opens doors. A courageous decision can change an entire trajectory.

• An artist's identity is built through action. Painting, exhibiting, meeting people, starting again.

• Culture is a dialogue between the creator and their audience.

• Consistency beats talent alone. Discipline and perseverance turn opportunities into results.

• The community matters. Collectors, gallery owners, mentors, teams: art is a collective adventure.

For artists who dream of making a living from their art

If you recognize yourself in this non-linear journey, here are three concrete levers:

Position your story. Explain the "why" behind your approach — often, that's what people are really buying into.

Be consistent in your visibility. Plan key moments (exhibitions, collaborations, media) and maintain a regular flow (newsletter, social networks).

Professionalize the experience. From the first contact to the delivery of a work, every detail builds trust — and loyalty.

To create is to choose to be seen — and to see differently.

My path is unlike any other, and that is precisely what makes it so powerful.

If my works resonate with you, it is because the abstract has revealed an emotion that will thrill you forever.

If you'd like to see my available works, book a visit to the ARO Gallery, or discuss a custom project for your home or business, write to me — and let's create this exclusive encounter together!

👉 https://www.aroartiste.com

Caroline xx

Video credit: TVA