Born 1953 in Québec, QC, where he lives and works.

In his twenties, as a waterfowl hunter, his territory expanded from Abitibi to Iles aux Grues and to the Gaspesian Peninsula.  Graven images were naturally gathered throughout the kilometers roamed during his outdoor adventures. Training retrievers introduced him to competitions where sculpted birds were awarded as prizes.  These sculptures attracted him to pursue that art form for approximately ten years.  Art brought him to see nature in a different light to the point where chisel and brush definitely replaced the rifle.  He then participated in national and international decoy sculpting championships, which won him a few ribbons.  During the same period, his artwork was shown in both galleries and symposiums. 

Along the road he traveled as a nature lover, hunter and sculptor he met various artists, namely Jean-Louis Courteau, also a hunter, with whom he developed a friendship beyond all bounds.  Jean-Louis would become a source of answers to his many queries, a critical eye, and motivation when in doubt. Claude Dorval portrays that anything is possible when driven by passion, persistent toil and a determination to improve.

EDUCATION 

1998-2001

A self-taught painter, Claude Dorval consulted regularly with Jean-Louis Courteau and the artists’ community for technical advice in validating his educational path. 

1993

Painting lessons (decorative sculpted birds) with Pat Godin, Brandford, Ontario

1987-88

Wood-carving lessons (birds) with Stéphane Bougie in Valleyfield, QC

1984

Drawing lessons with Paul Y. Gagnon,ChâteauRicher,Québec, QC

1983-84

Wood-carving lessons (birds) Rondo sculpture school in Beauport, QC 

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2016

Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, QC

2004

Zig Zag, Galerie Michel Bigue, Saint-Sauveur, QC

2001

Liberte 59, Maison du Village, Val-David, QC

1999

Deuxième Couche, Maison du Village, Val-David, QC

1998

Peinture Fraiche, Maison du Vilage, Val-Davie, QC

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2015

Holiday Show, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, QC

2011

Nuit Rouge, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, QC 

2010

Les Impatients: Parlez-moi d’amour, 11th Edition, Saint-Sauveur, QC

2009

Xmas Exhibition, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, QC

2007

Exposition Hommage, Pierre Séguin Gallery, L’Île-Perrot, QC.’

2006

Symposium of arts of Drummondville, Drummondville, QC

1998

International exhibition, Ducks Unlimited in Québec. QC.

1997

Christin Gallery, Toronto, ON 

1996

Yves Laroche Art Gallery, Montréal, QC

1995

Chez Christin Art Gallery, Québec, QC

1994

L’Art et la Nature exhibition, Québec, QC

1992

Participation in World Championship of decoy sculpture, Ocean City, MD

AWARDS

2004

Decoy competition judge at Festival Oies des Neiges, Cap Tourmente, QC

2003

Decoy competition judge at Festival Oies des Neiges, Cap Tourmente, QC

2002

Decoy competition judge at Festival Oies des Neiges, Cap Tourmente, QC

PRIVATE AND CORPORATE COLLECTIONS

Mendes Inc., QC

Industrielle Alliance, Québec

Corporation d’Hébergement du Québec, Québec