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
