ROGER H. CROTEAU, AMERICAN ARTIST, (1939 -  Present )

"There is the mystery deep within, the vision not yet clarified, the yearning unfulfilled; a desire to enter a realm that compels one to travel farther without knowing, with discipline and working, into the dark night, the edge of dawning light may bring a reverent sense of participation in the act of His creation."     

Roger Croteau, 1989.

BIOGRAPHY:

Parish priest. Catholic. Counselor. Former prison chaplain. Portrait artist. Artist.

All of the above titles describe Roger Croteau, a signed American artist for the past fifty years.   Croteau, who was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts,  received degrees in psychology and theology from the University of Montreal.  In his yearning to clarify the deep mysteries of this life and to cope with the problems of everyday humanity, he has followed a faithful path of synchronicity.

This "unknowing" path has allowed him to experiment with different artistic forms and styles.  Presently, Croteau creates tiny miniature oil paintings which are layered and air blown.  Sometimes the creations come out the first time. More often than not,though,  it takes several attempts in order for the paint to flow into its designed place of light and balance.  (The "Vortex," the signature painting for this exhibition, went through 15 revisions before it came to the place it was meant to be). 

Today, Croteau's paintings and sketches grace magazine covers, CD labels, books, private homes, and galleries throughout the world, most especially the Hatfield Gallery in Manchester, New Hampshire.

HISTORY:

1950's and 60's: In the beginning of his artistic journey, Croteau became known for his realistic portrait paintings, which include "The Old Man and the Sea," "Jesus of Nazareth," "Lucifer," Bishop Gendron, Mother Teresa, and John F. Kennedy. This last portrait decorated JFKs desk in the Oval Office during his presidency and became one of Jackie Kennedy's most treasured paintings.

1970's and 80's:  Croteau produced astounding oil spray and mixed media paintings, sometimes covering whole rooms as well as himself with oil paint during this experimental artistic process. Beneath these abstract creations  flow themes of  good and evil, loss and redemption, freedom and imprisonment. Some works from  this period include  the "Notre Dame Bridge #5," "Gossip," "Person Traveling, Mummy Series, 1988," "From my Window: Shore and Lights at Night, 1987," and "The Old Man in the Mountain," which hangs in Senator Judd Gregg's office.  

1990's - present: During the last fifteen years, Croteau has created thousands of miniature abstract oil paintings. Like tiny gems, each artistic miniature radiates light from inner and outer dimensions, mysteriously connecting viewers to both their conscious and unconscious selves. Some claim to see angels, humans, and faces in these palm-sized abstractions. Others  say they are drawn into these tiny pieces by the fluid motion of astounding colors.  Many pieces, such as, "Catching Sunlight Through Trees" (2003), "The Coming of Fall" (2003), "On the Edge of the Woods" (2002), and "Resurrection" (2004) reveal how the dawning light breaks through the dark night, allowing all who desire to step into life's most sacred mysteries with reverence and hope.