'Spinnakers Out at La Trinité Regatta' by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s)

'Spinnakers out at La Trinité Regatta', gouache on paper, by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s). A horn signals the 15 minute countdown to the start of the regatta. The moments that lead up to the start of a sailboat race are absolutely nerve-racking. Each yacht attempts to hold its position in the water as close to the imaginary starting line - often delineated by buoys - all the while enduring the force of the wind. It can be chaotic, dangerous and very thrilling. The artist captures these exciting moments wonderfully and in colour. He depicts the sailboats that are heading downwind with wildly colourful spinnakers set to maximise their sail area thus increasing the speed of the boat. The location for the race is near Nice on the French Côtes d'Azur at La Trinité. 

The painting is in good vintage condition and has been newly framed and glazed. The artist signed the work in the lower left hand corner. Please view the many photos that accompany the listing. Upon request a video may be provided.

About the Artist: Maurice Empi was born in Saint Etienne in the Loire Valley in France in 1933. In 1949 he enrolled in the 'Ecole Technique Supérieur de Art et Publicité' in Montparnasse, Paris. His professor and friend, Marcel Basler, also an artist, convinced him to abandon his studies in advertising and graphic design to dedicate his life to art. He's never looked back. His first private exhibition was held in Paris in 1953 and his reputation quickly propelled his work overseas to Stockholm in 1955, London in 1959 and Nagoya and Tokyo in 1971. His works are decidedly collectible and increasing in value as he approaches his mid-eighties. Empi's works have been sold at major auction houses worldwide and held in many civic and private collections. His painting themes feature views of Paris and Venice, horse racing, sailing regattas, musicians and their orchestras and French cafés. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 46 cm / 18.1"

W 61 cm / 24"

Dimensions without frame:

H 35 cm / 13.8"

W 50 cm / 19.7"