Duaiv

Accomplished in both classical music and fine art, Duaiv embeds the essence of creative inspiration in his world-renowned paintings, commissioned murals, and live performances. He was born in 1952 in the maritime region of France near the city of Bordeaux. He was raised in an artistic environment, his mother was a classical pianist, and his father was a sculptor.

When Duaiv was just 3 years old he picked up his first paintbrush, but to the dismay of his parents, the walls of his home became his first canvas. By the time he was 9, Duaiv completed his first oil painting. While he demonstrated talent for painting at a young age, his father didn’t want him to become an artist. Instead of art supplies, he bought him a cello. Having met renowned cellist Pablo Casals when he was only 8 years old, the instrument was a natural choice for Duaiv. He practiced continually with his new instrument, but could never let go of his love of art.

For this reason, Duaiv chose to become classically educated in both art and music. He attended the Conservatoire Nationale de Musique in Paris and trained in the cello under Bernard Michelin. He also attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris to further his studies in painting. Duaiv’s art and music began opening doors to incredible opportunities.

When he was 23, Duaiv met Salvador Dali. Dalí inspired Duaiv to pursue art for a living, encouraging him to blend his passion for the arts and music. Today, Duaiv’s primary goal as an artist is to share his art as an experience and inspire his audience. Through what he calls “Happenings,” Duaiv performs spontaneous concerts at galleries and outdoor spaces before his book signings and gallery openings. He continues to both paint and play his cello without relent. The two disciplines are so entwined for the artist that he cannot paint without listening to music. For two hours every morning, Duaiv practices his cello, then in the afternoon and evening, he paints in his studio for four to six hours, always listening to music.

Many collectors love Duaiv’s uplifting paintings. Colorful, cheerful, and bright, Duaiv’s paintings buzz with movement across the canvas. He is most inspired by impressionist artists including Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh, He also draws inspiration from Dutch artists Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals. Duaiv employs Van Gogh’s moving dynamic brush strokes, Vermeer’s soft texture, and Monet’s palette.