Virginie Hartley

Virginie Hartley is a versatile artist and linguist. Born and brought up in Corsica, she studied Japanese and English in Lyon. Her love of the English language and the British painting tradition then took her to London to study illustration. The thriving artistic life of the mid-eighties gave her the opportunity to create portraits of musicians, dancers and actors. Clients include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Kodak and the National Trust.

Virginie moved to Monmouth in 1993 and values life in Monmouthshire as a constant source of inspiration. Now the proud mother of two teenage sons, she continues painting and designing artwork on commission. Her portraits, illustrations and murals are based on a wide variety of subjects using both traditional and digital media. She may work from life or use photographs that she takes, as well as sketches.

An active member of the local community, in 2010 she was asked to provide artistic direction to a group of students from Monmouth Comprehensive School. This was in the form of a painted mural with the theme ‘Children’s rights’. Their efforts won them the coveted Welsh prize and the regional prize in a competition sponsored by the United Nations. In June 2011 she was delighted to contribute to the painting of another mural at the school.

'I love observing people and sharing my enjoyment of what surrounds me through the use of whatever medium seems most appropriate. It is also a great source of pleasure for me to pass on my knowledge of Art and French to learners of all ages and backgrounds.’

To view a sample of her work and to commission artwork, please visit her website: website link