Author Bio
Camille Wauters was born in Temse on the banks of the River Schelde, it was that most wonderful of rivers that would supply her with artistic inspiration for the rest of her life. In fact this particular scene is almost certainly painted within the immediate area of her birth place.
She took her artistic studies in the nearby academies of Temse, Termonde and Sint Niklaas from 1873-1877 before transferring to the far more prestigious academy in Antwerp for one year. Finally completing her studies in Brussels under Joseph van Severdonck and Joseph Quinaux. All of this study perfected her technique and laid the groundwork for a successful career at a time when women struggled to gain recognition. Initially though she found the going tough so, consumed with a passion for her craft, she decided to go to Paris to widen her horizons. In 1892 at the age of 36 she enrolled at the Academie Julian in Paris to continue her education. Here Jules Lefebvre and Benjamin Constant provided her with an artistic mentoring that, at the time, could be regarded as the finest Europe had to offer. Returning to Belgium full of confidence and ideas she commenced her career as a professional painter. She painted numerous views of the River Schelde near her birth place of Temse and the small village of Weert. In addition she made occasional trips to France to visit the art colony area of Barbizon.
Camille Wauters died in 1919. Her paintings can be seen today in Belgium in the Museums of Antwerp, Temse and Sint Niklaas.
Lit; Arto
P. Piron