André Bourrié is a French painter distinguished for his notable landscape and maritime paintings. Bourrié holds the prestigious title of Official Painter of the French Navy and has won numerous awards for his accomplishments. Bourrié is an artist who has used his unusual background as a basis for developing his artistic talent. He was born in 1936, only to be abandoned by both parents by age nine, and later placed in an orphanage by his uncle. These harsh circumstances led Bourrié to pursue painting as an escape from the sufferings of his young life. A self-taught artist, he became intrigued with the rendering of light, color and form. As a young man, Bourrié was able to pursue a more formal art education that allowed him to concentrate on the development of his talent. He later dedicated most of his time to sharing his ideas and inspirations with other artists around the country. He spent years traveling the French coastal areas, living outdoors, and exploring a variety of maritime activities. In order to develop himself into a trained painter, Bourrié worked only as a decorative painter for six years. After winning the Silver Medal at the Salon des Artistes, Bourrié felt established enough to justify his full time dedication to his art. André Bourrié's work has been distinguished many times over throughout Europe and the United States. His work is represented in galleries throughout the world, and he has permanent displays in such high-profile venues as La Ville de Versailles and Le Musee Corot de Ville Avray.