As promised, here is a post telling you a little bit about the artist (actually, it’s two artists) who work in the studio at La Cressonnière when the Famille Blair aren’t living here. The studio belongs to les Frères Sineux, or the Sineux Brothers. Hugues and Jean-François. The sign announcing their atelier hangs outside one of the barns.
The two brothers have worked together for 25 years. Jean-François is still working here in town while Hugues is away. It must be difficult to be temporarily separated after so many years of working near each other.
This photograph hangs in the office. I believe it’s the two brothers as teenagers in their mother’s kitchen. What a great shot! When Ben Blair came to check out the house last December, he was able to see them both — they were building a beautiful console table made only from found materials in the area.
From what we can tell, they are the official town artists here in Argentan. If you visit the town by train, you’ll see this large mural, painted by Frères Sineux, at the train station.
And near the town center, you can see buildings covered in more of their work.
One of my favorites is this mural of F. Leger painted in 2010.
Extra fun: A practice drawing of the face was painted directly on the wall of the studio here at La Cressonnière. Neato!
As I’ve mentioned, throughout the house there is a wonderful collection of original art, but I think my favorites are all done by Frères Sineux. This one is of Hugues’s daughter. (I’ve also shared his beautiful painting of the kitchen, and his giraffe sculpture.)
Last year, the town hosted an exhibition of their work. The exhibition poster now hangs in the studio.
Here is their website if you’d like to contact them.
P.S. —Want to see more of their work? They built the amazing treehouse too.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! You are so fortunate. It must be lovely to be surrounded by such beautiful original art!
Just when you think it can’t get any better :). Beautiful!
What a fabulous opportunity for you and your family. It is clear that you are embracing all that is there.
Those murals are absolutely fabulous!!!
You are so lucky! I’m envy! jauajaua good envy! I’m so happy for you and your family, what a great opportunity for the kids!
And I just love how you share all this things with us!
just keep telling us more…!
Love all of it. How inspiring to be surrounded by such beautiful things. I’m inspired to go paint something just reading your post!
Do you pinch yourself every morning when you wake up?
Wow, how cool to be able to live amongst all of that? So inspiring.
What a treat to live in a town and home that celebrates art!
I especially love the Leger and the painting of the daughter.
So lucky to be surrounded by such gifted people. I imagine the vibe must be amazing the the house.
Gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing! Just fabulous!
Amazing artists! Original and modern. It’s wonderful of you to share.
We are eager to see your communication each morning and always delighted.
Love and appreciation
So talented. Impressive work. You are so fortunate.
The village must be lovely and such fun place to live. Hope you have found some nice restaurants for date night.
It just keeps getting better and better!! Seriously it was such luck this house found your family!
I just gasped out loud – Leger is my family name! Research indicates that our branches of the family tree separated long ago, but it’s always a jolt to see my name. Hooray!
Amazing and beautiful, all of it!
When I saw that picture of the daughter, though, I recognized her shoes! My son Sam has the same pair, I swear! The brand is L’amour…
Thanks so much for sharing. Just beautiful! It’s so wonderful and fortunate on both sides…that the amazing Blair family (who could be more deserving?!) would get to live in such a special, beautiful place, and that this family of artists would have a family so appreciative to be in their home and studio when they are away.
I know this isn’t the point of the post, but I love the sign outside their studio. Signs here in the States tend to be so boring!
I love this post! I have been wondering so much about the “artists.” There work is fantastic. Somehow the treehouse thing is so sweet to me — being built by the two artist brothers. Sounds like these guys know how to live!
I would like to be in your shoes right now :) I can’t wait for you to post something about food. I’m a big fan of bread. Hmmn, I can imagine myself sitting in a French bakery having a cup of coffee and a croissant for breakfast. You are lucky. :)
Fascinating!! What a rich, wonderful story to add to your story.
As the French say, “Nous sommes tous des locataires de la terre.” And, it looks as though you’ve found a terrific spot to be renters! Enjoy.
It must be very inspiring to live near such amazing art! You are very lucky. :)
Thanks Gabrielle! I can’t believe I missed this post I religiously read your blog first on my Google Reader (and now it knows it because it places it first now!). Awesome Artist Landlords!
J’adore!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vous etes a Paris????? I am moving to Paris in April…..am I able to see your work in Paris?