Provence Artist: Grigore Dontu
My favourite provence artist that sells in Provençal markets is undoubtedly Grigore Dontu. This handsome Moldovian is a little camera shy (the mysterious silent type); however, since I see him so often (as I wander the markets so often) we’ve come to know each other. Last year, when my mum visited Provence she wanted an oil painting as a souvenir. I brought her to provence artist Grigore.
The 2 paintings we bought. The one in back is of the famous Café de France made famous for many reasons but most memorable to Brits as the haunt of Keith Floyd. The one in front is a square typical of beautiful Aix en Provence.
Grigore spends his time painting market scenes and the various picturesque villages of his adopted country. I think his paintings are the perfect souvenir because he paints the scenes I most associate with Provence. He lives in Aix en Provence and presents his work at the Isle sur la Sorgue, Saint Rémy de Provence and Lourmarin markets.
Grigore paints while waiting for customers at the market.
His Style
The uses bright colours and his style is reminiscent of impressionism. I love how you can see his brush strokes. With a trained eye, you’ll, unfortunately, notice a lot of acrylic paintings for sale at markets of Provencal scenes imported from factories in China. Méfiez-vous! (be aware). This is quite upsetting when you see the passion that artists like Grigore have for their work. He comes from a family of artists where even his wife and son are painters.
His paintings range from the size of postcards to 30×50 inches or more. His oil paintings are reasonably priced; they range anywhere from 100 – 700 euros.
Grigore sends his work all over the world for sale. If you like any of the images here, I can arrange with him for a painting to be sent to you. Otherwise, you can find him at the market!
Don’t you just love an artist’s palette?
Just adore his work!! Beautiful use of Color. Love the palette!! The 2 you bought were gorgeous! Will look lovely in your new house!
Beautiful work. I believe we saw him and his work in St. remy. Now I wish I had purchased one of his works. I was afraid it would be hard getting it home. Guess I just need to organize a return visit!
Such gorgeous paintings! I love his use of colors. He truly brings Provence to life!
Bonsoir Achlei. Comment cava? Je trouve la troisième photo très chargé. Peut-tu l’ enlever s’il tu plait?
c’est fait!
Lovely paintings, bought one of Saint Victoire to commemorate my year in Aix
wonderful!
I had him ship a painting to the USA. It was fast and we lived it!
Hi,
I’m going to my brother’s wedding in Provence later this month. We are looking for a local artist that would take commission to do a painting of the chateau that my brother is getting married at to give as a wedding gift. Grigore Dontu sounds perfect (oil, impressionist is just what we are looking for). Do you think he would be up for that sort of thing and if so any help in getting in contact would be gratefully received.
Many thanks,
Laura
I sent you an email!
Hi, I just returned from Aix-en-Provence. I purchased a couple of authentic prints of his paintings, but I was wondering where I could view some originals for sale, that could be sent to the US. Thank you!
Hi Loralie, Are you in the U.S. at the moment? I can contact him and send you some pictures of his current work for sale. If you’re in Provence I can ask him which markets he’ll be at this week. -Ashley
Hi Ashley,
I am back in the US now. I would love to see pictures of his current work for sale.
Thank you! -Loralie
Hi Ashley, I am in the US now. I would love to see some available paintings for sale that can be shipped here. I really appreciate your help. Thank you so much!
Loralie
Sent you an email!
Hello!
I am wondering whether Mr. G. Dontu has an atelier to visit or an email address to contact him (or a phone).
I love his art and I would like to see some of his paintings…
Many thanks!
Flavio
Hi Flavio, He doesn’t have his atelier open for visitors at the moment but I can contact him for you. He doesn’t speak French. Is there something specific that you’re looking for?
We have an apartment in Aix en Provence and would love a painting of a typical town scene or even of mt victoire
I’ve tried to find a website with your work but with no success.
Can you assist?
I’ve just sent you an email!
My husband and I purchased two of his paintings when we were visiting a few years ago. I would love to surprise my husband with another one. Thank you for your assistance.
Hi Michelle, I’ve sent you an email! -Ashley
Hello- my husband and I have visited L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue twice and spend time at the Cafe de France on both occasions. Such wonderful memories of dining under the plane trees and enjoying the ambience. Sadly my husband passed away recently and I’ve been trying to find a painting of this spot to hang in my living room. Is it possible to be connected with the artist?
Hi Leena, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Grigore doesn’t speak muck English but I can email him for you and ask is he has a painting of the café available and the size. Alternatively, he can also paint one the size that you prefer. Kind regards, Ashley